In 1973, which organization imposed an oil embargo on the United States? The Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OAPEC, imposed the embargo.
The embargo began in October 1973 during the Yom Kippur War, after the United States provided support to Israel. OAPEC members announced production cuts and restricted oil exports to the United States and other countries viewed as supporting Israel. Saudi Arabia played a particularly influential role in the policy.
The action helped trigger the 1973 oil crisis. Oil prices rose sharply, fuel shortages spread, and many countries introduced conservation measures such as lower speed limits, reduced heating, and limits on driving. The crisis also exposed the vulnerability of economies that depended heavily on imported petroleum.
OAPEC is commonly confused with OPEC. OPEC was the larger global oil-producer organization, but the 1973 embargo was organized by its Arab members through OAPEC. The embargo was lifted in March 1974, although prices and geopolitical consequences remained important for years.