The book discusses some possible changes in the oil industry. What does the author argue is a possibility in the coming years in regards to the oil industry? What might change the face of the oil industry?

Yergin argues that a number of events and situations could change the face of the oil industry. An environmental crisis might alter the economy for energy, including oil. Technology may also change so that alternative fuels and energy would be more cost effective than oil. Within the industry, Yergin suggests that production from the Soviet Union might increase and take over a greater percentage than the Middle East. Ethnic conflicts in areas of the world, including Russia, may disrupt oil production as well.