Which field supplied 51% of the world's oil in 1901?

Which field supplied 51% of the world's oil in 1901?

• A. Baku, Russia
• B. Texas
• C. North Sea
• D. California

Answer: (A)

Early oil history shows a region can dominate world supply for a time. In 1901 the Baku fields on the Caspian Sea, then part of the Russian Empire, produced about 51% of all crude oil used worldwide. That enormous output, plus efficient export routes, gave Baku unmatched influence and made it the single largest supplier at that moment. Other regions like Texas, California, and the North Sea were far from that scale in 1901—they would grow in importance later, but none matched Baku’s combined volume and reach at that time.

Early oil history shows a region can dominate world supply for a time. In 1901 the Baku fields on the Caspian Sea, then part of the Russian Empire, produced about 51% of all crude oil used worldwide. That enormous output, plus efficient export routes, gave Baku unmatched influence and made it the single largest supplier at that moment. Other regions like Texas, California, and the North Sea were far from that scale in 1901—they would grow in importance later, but none matched Baku’s combined volume and reach at that time.