It was punishing the U.S. for supporting Israel in a war in the Middle East. Again, in 1977, the oil producing nations decreased production so much that Americans had to wait on long lines at the gas station just to make sure they could buy enough fuel to get to work. In Europe many nations have imposed heavy taxes on gasoline so that auto-makers must sell small, efficient cars. They may not look as menacing as American Sport Utility Vehicles, but they can run on half as much gas. Companies from around the world are studying ways to power cars with renewable energy resources.
Oil is nonrenewable because there is a limited amount buried in the Earth's crust.
Solar cells can convert the Sun's rays into electricity. Certain kinds of alcohol can be used to run engines, and some scientists even believe that household trash could one day be used to power your family's car. For now, the most practical new cars combine old fashioned gas with battery power. A few of these vehicals are already being sold in Europe and the United States. No one knows for sure what the long-term solution to oil shortages is.