The history between giant oil companies like Shell, Mobil and Exxon and the national governments under which these and other companies operated goes back many years. In the United States in the 1930's, there existed a huge oversupply of crude oil which upset the oil market and created the collapse of oil prices. And as more and more oil reserves and deposits were discovered, some began to suggest that the U.S. government should step in with new conservation measures and production controls. But this quickly raised many questions related to who should control oil production and if it should be a voluntary or under the control of the government.
             In the early 1930's, a major divide occurred between the Standard Oil Company which supported voluntary controls and one of its giant subsidiaries which supported governmental intervention. Those at the top of the oil industry suggested that it should develop some kind of program for voluntary self-control and regulation; however, a number of oil executives pointed out that most oil companies did not have the knowledge nor the inclination to voluntarily control their oil output and production. At this time, smaller independent oil producers were greatly opposed to any governmental interference and regulation.
             This led to the creation of the Independent Petroleum Association of America which soon launched a campaign aimed at creating tariffs on imported oil. The main point was to do away with oil from Venezuela imported by the major American and European oil nations. Not surprisingly, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American automobiles manufacturers were strongly against any kind of oil tariff, due to believing that tariffs would drive the cost of oil and gasoline. Thus, oil costs and production soon came under governmental
             control, a situation which lasted well into the 20th century in the United States and can still be found in nations all over the world, especi...