1) The USA is the top oil user consuming over 17 million barrels per day, while 6 million tons of oil ends up in the oceans each year. Oil supplies a significant portion of energy needs for many countries. 2) Saudi Arabia is the top oil producer at 8.1 million barrels per day, followed by Russia and the USA. Crude oil prices have fluctuated widely over the past decade from $12.28 per barrel in 1998 to $94.45 in 2008. 3) Oil is versatile and found in abundance, making up 84% of transportation fuels and 16% of raw materials. However, it is a non-renewable resource and extracting it is becoming more difficult and expensive.