OPEC Chiefs Withstood the Test of Major Historical Events

OPEC Chiefs Withstood the Test of Major Historical Events

Successive personalities have occupied the position of Secretary-General at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a 13-country organization that underwent major pivotal historical events in the global arena.

Over the years, the organization dealt with these events with wisdom that allowed it to endure and achieve goals in unifying and developing oil policies and stabilizing oil markets globally.

Some of the biggest and most dangerous challenges that faced OPEC include the Carlos the Jackal incident in the mid-70s, the oil wells crisis in Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in the early 90s, as well as the September 11 attacks at the beginning of the new millennium.

Lastly, the organization had to face the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization was exposed to a significant crisis in 1975 when its headquarters were raided by Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, also known as Carlos the Jackal. This was one of the strangest and most surprising operations.

At the time, OPEC was headed by Nigeria’s Meshach Otokiti Feyide. The crisis was dealt with professionally so that the markets would not be affected by this attack. Indeed, the organization succeeded in continuing its path after overcoming the problem.

During the era of the Indonesian Secretary-General Subroto, OPEC witnessed a