The sharp surge in international crude oil prices hit the logistics industry hardest. They had finally replaced horse-drawn carriages with automobiles and thought they could make good money at last, only for rising oil prices to send costs soaring.
Trucks were not cheap these days—ten thousand Lev at the least, often even more. With such huge costs already invested, what could they do besides grit their teeth and hold on?
Want to pull out? Too late!
The logistics industry had only just begun to rise and was in its golden age, but once oil prices went up, that golden age leapt straight into the age of black iron.
Belgium was the first to be affected. As one of Europe's most industrially advanced small nations, Belgium had undergone a revolution in transportation after the end of World War I in order to improve efficiency.
"Luke, go find out why oil prices have risen again. In less than three months, diesel prices have doubled. Isn't this taking people's lives?" a burly middle-aged man said furiously.
"Respected Mr. Hamm, the fuel company called today to explain. International crude oil prices have risen, so they had no choice but to raise their prices as well.
"Apparently, the Mexican Civil War broke out this time, causing local crude oil production to plummet!" Luke explained.
"Damn it, why are there so many maddening things happening? First, the oil fields in Sumatra were blown up by rebels; then the pipelines in Iraq were damaged. And now it's Mexico's turn?
"Contact the fuel company. We want to order ten thousand tons of diesel. Ask them whether they can give us a better price!" Hamm said with a frown.
If he still did not know that someone was manipulating oil prices, he would never have become a transportation tycoon