On what date did Shell offer an olive branch by raising its oil prices by two to four cents?

On what date did Shell offer an olive branch by raising its oil prices by two to four cents?

• A. August 5, 1960
• B. October 12, 1960
• C. September 8, 1960
• D. September 30, 1960

Answer: (C)

Understanding this item hinges on recognizing that calling it an olive branch signals a small concession offered in a tense situation. In this case, Shell’s move was a modest price increase of two to four cents that reporters described as a conciliatory gesture toward customers or the public amid industry tensions. The date associated with that described gesture is September 8, 1960, when the announcement appeared in the press. That framing—a minor price uptick framed as a goodwill move—explains why this date is the one highlighted.

Understanding this item hinges on recognizing that calling it an olive branch signals a small concession offered in a tense situation. In this case, Shell’s move was a modest price increase of two to four cents that reporters described as a conciliatory gesture toward customers or the public amid industry tensions. The date associated with that described gesture is September 8, 1960, when the announcement appeared in the press. That framing—a minor price uptick framed as a goodwill move—explains why this date is the one highlighted.