IMAGO International History, Archive, First oil price crisis, USA 1973

Mar 31, 2026

The following photos have been selected for you by the IMAGO picture desk on this topic. For more pictures please use the search function.

1973 US Oil Crisis Feb 19, 1974; Washington, DC, USA; Images of the United States during the gas shortage crisis in 1974. In October of 1973 Middles-eastern OPEC nations stopped exports to the US and other western nations, to punish the western nations that supported Israel, their foe, in the Yom Kippur War. Tthe price of oil in America quadrupled by 1974 to nearly 2 per 42 US gallon barrel, causing protests all over the country. Washington DC USA Copyright: xArthurxGracex
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 1973 US Oil Crisis Feb 19, 1974; Washington, DC, USA; Santa Clause gets gass during the gas shortage crisis in 1974. In October of 1973 Middles-eastern OPEC nations stopped exports to the US and other western nations, to punish the western nations that supported Israel, their foe, in the Yom Kippur War. Tthe price of oil in America quadrupled by 1974 to nearly 2 per 42 US gallon barrel, causing protests all over the country. Washington DC USA Copyright: xArthurxGracex
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 1973 US Oil Crisis Feb 19, 1974; Washington, DC, USA; Images of the United States during the gas shortage crisis in 1974. In October of 1973 Middles-eastern OPEC nations stopped exports to the US and other western nations, to punish the western nations that supported Israel, their foe, in the Yom Kippur War. Tthe price of oil in America quadrupled by 1974 to nearly 2 per 42 US gallon barrel, causing protests all over the country. Washington DC USA Copyright: xArthurxGracex
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 1973 US Oil Crisis Feb 19, 1974; Washington, DC, USA; Images of the United States during the gas shortage crisis in 1974. In October of 1973 Middles-eastern OPEC nations stopped exports to the US and other western nations, to punish the western nations that supported Israel, their foe, in the Yom Kippur War. Tthe price of oil in America quadrupled by 1974 to nearly 2 per 42 US gallon barrel, causing protests all over the country. Washington DC USA Copyright: xArthurxGracex
President Lyndon B Johnson 1908 1973 25 March 1965 – Washington, District of Columbia, USA – Lyndon Baines Johnson 27 August 1908 – 22 January 1973 , often briefly LBJ called, was the 36 President the United States 1963-1969 , after he from 1961 to 1963 as 37 Vice Preside Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19650325_sha_k09_966
President Lyndon B Johnson 1908 1973 25 March 1965 – Washington, District of Columbia, USA – Lyndon Baines Johnson 27 August 1908 – 22 January 1973 , often briefly LBJ called, was the 36 President the United States 1963-1969 , after he from 1961 to 1963 as 37 Vice Preside Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19650325_sha_k09_955
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 OIL CRISIS, 1974. Gasoline ration stamps being printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., 31 January 1974, in response to the oil crisis that had begun the previous October. Photographed by Warren K. Leffler. Copyright: xGRANGERx xGRANGERx 0125731
Exxon signs A 30 MG IMAGE OF: The new Exxon signs being made in Delaware after the namechange from Esso to Exxon Photo by Dennis Brack b11 Denton DE USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx DennisxBrackx bsphotos031836
Closed gas station Closed gas station in Delaware in June 1973 Photograph by Dennis Brack bs b 17 Millsboro Delaware USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx DennisxBrackx bsphotos031293
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Gas station operator stands by empty gas pump during the height of the gas shortage, no location, 1973. 1063_05_Gas_Station_Operator_Stands_by_Empty_Pumps
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 12, 1808, Washington, DC, USA: Gas Ration Stamps, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Washington, D.C., USA, Warren K. Leffler, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, January 31, 1974 Washington USA - ZUMAg145 18081012_zap_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 11, 1808, Maryland, USA: Cars lined up at Gas Station, Maryland, USA, Warren K. Leffler, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, February 1974 USA - ZUMAg145 18081011_zap_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 Gasoline dealers demonstrating with picket signs at the White House, Washington, D.C., USA, Marion S. Trikosko, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, August 1, 1979 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa10382
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 11, 1808, Washington, D.C, USA: Gas Station with Sign Sorry! We re Out of Gas Today , Warren K. Leffler, January 1974 Washington USA - ZUMAg145 18081011_zza_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex
An abandoned gasoline pump with a price of 29.9 cents per gallon. During the 1973-74 energy crisis this price was a nostalgic memory. The pump bears a 1969 state seal. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC236
Oregon s odd-even plan restricting gas sales based on license plate numbers eased the length of lines are service stations during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC235
Gas station sells imported gasoline at 1.74 a gallon double the regular price during the 1973-74 energy crisis. The fuel shortage was caused by an OPEC embargo in retaliation for US support of Israel during the Yom Kipper War. Feb. 1974. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC233
Even Numbers Only reads a sign after Oregon was the first US state to use a system of odd and even license plate numbers during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Even with this system the car carries a notice that the station has run out of gas to sell. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC231
Gas Sales Limited to Regular Customers reads a sign at an Tigard Oregon during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC230
Bird s eye view of a gas station in Portland Oregon with cars lined up to receive only five gallons of fuel during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC229
Oregon State Police stops a driver who exceeded the new 55 MPH national speed limit imposed to conserve gasoline. Dec. 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC228
Gasoline Station stays open for business but has no gasoline to sell during the Energy Crisis in October 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC226
Gas pump restricting gas purchases to 10 gallons during the first Oil Crisis of 1973. Denver, Colorado, August 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL012 EC103
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 Man Directing Line of Cars at Gas Station during Oil Crisis, Maryland, USA, photograph by Thomas J. O Halloran, June, 15 1979 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa07474
Gas Station Attendants Peer over Their Out of Gas Sign in Portland, Oregon on Day before the State s Requested Saturday Closure of Gasoline Stations 11 1973 Hollywood CA USA Copyright: xNARAx 1003_476THA
Gas Station in Portland, Oregon Closed Because of a Lack of Fuel Allocation. It Was One of Many Stations Closed During the Fuel Crisis in the Winter of 1973-74. Circa 1973 Hollywood CA USA Copyright: xNARAx 1003_475THA
The State of Oregon Was the First to Go to a System of Odd and Even Numbers During the Gasoline Crisis in the Fall and Winter of 1973-74. Here Motorists with Even Numbered Licenses Line Up for Gasoline on an Even Numbered Day. The Plan Was in Effect Monday through Friday. Anyone Could Get Gas on Saturdays If It Was Available. All Stations Were Closed Sundays. Portland OR, February 1974 Hollywood CA USA Copyright: xNARAx 1003_474THA
IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 The gas lines in 1974, Washington DC Copyright: xDennisxBrackx xDanitaxDelimont US09 DBK1254

Images in this collection

Exxon signs A 30 MG IMAGE OF: The new Exxon signs being made in Delaware after the namechange from Esso to Exxon Photo by Dennis Brack b11 Denton DE USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx DennisxBrackx bsphotos031836

Closed gas station Closed gas station in Delaware in June 1973 Photograph by Dennis Brack bs b 17 Millsboro Delaware USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx DennisxBrackx bsphotos031293

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Gas station operator stands by empty gas pump during the height of the gas shortage, no location, 1973. 1063_05_Gas_Station_Operator_Stands_by_Empty_Pumps

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 12, 1808, Washington, DC, USA: Gas Ration Stamps, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Washington, D.C., USA, Warren K. Leffler, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, January 31, 1974 Washington USA - ZUMAg145 18081012_zap_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 11, 1808, Maryland, USA: Cars lined up at Gas Station, Maryland, USA, Warren K. Leffler, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, February 1974 USA - ZUMAg145 18081011_zap_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 Gasoline dealers demonstrating with picket signs at the White House, Washington, D.C., USA, Marion S. Trikosko, US News & World Report Magazine Collection, August 1, 1979 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa10382

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 October 11, 1808, Washington, D.C, USA: Gas Station with Sign Sorry! We re Out of Gas Today , Warren K. Leffler, January 1974 Washington USA - ZUMAg145 18081011_zza_g145_001 Copyright: xJTxVintagex

Gas Sales Limited to Regular Customers reads a sign at an Tigard Oregon during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC230

Bird s eye view of a gas station in Portland Oregon with cars lined up to receive only five gallons of fuel during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC229

Oregon State Police stops a driver who exceeded the new 55 MPH national speed limit imposed to conserve gasoline. Dec. 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC228

Gasoline Station stays open for business but has no gasoline to sell during the Energy Crisis in October 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL031 EC226

Gas pump restricting gas purchases to 10 gallons during the first Oil Crisis of 1973. Denver, Colorado, August 1973. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL012 EC103

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 Man Directing Line of Cars at Gas Station during Oil Crisis, Maryland, USA, photograph by Thomas J. O Halloran, June, 15 1979 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa07474

Gas Station Attendants Peer over Their Out of Gas Sign in Portland, Oregon on Day before the State s Requested Saturday Closure of Gasoline Stations 11 1973 Hollywood CA USA Copyright: xNARAx 1003_476THA

Gas Station in Portland, Oregon Closed Because of a Lack of Fuel Allocation. It Was One of Many Stations Closed During the Fuel Crisis in the Winter of 1973-74. Circa 1973 Hollywood CA USA Copyright: xNARAx 1003_475THA

IMAGO History, Ölpreiskrise 1973 The gas lines in 1974, Washington DC Copyright: xDennisxBrackx xDanitaxDelimont US09 DBK1254