It's still the Middle East

The Middle East remains the petroleum industry's 'center of gravity.' Although the region has remained stable during the 1980s and early 1990s aside from Saddam Hussain's invasion of Kuwait, political events in the region, especially Saudi Arabia, still holds the key to global oil and gas output and prices. Meanwhile, the distinction between OPEC members and non-OPEC members is fast disappearing as more countries increase their production to meet growing demand.