New Memo from OPEC

To Cartel Members:

Please don't forget that we are in business to make money

We are fully aware that the price per barrel of oil decreased several dollars recently. We urge you to not decrease production to make up for it.  This would create a public relations problem for us-- particularly with the United States. (This we know is not a normal concern but there are politicians in Washington who unrealistically are demanding we actually increase production.)

Here is our recommendation. Wait until summer. This is when US congress plans to reduce gasoline taxes for three months. At that time we can reduce production and again increase the price per barrel. To consumers there won't be any changes in prices but the blame will naturally fall on the failure to open oil fields in Alaska.

At the end of the summer we won't need to worry about oil prices rising because they will be blamed upon the resumption of the gas tax.  And by that time congressmen will be working on short term matters to get elected. 

We feel confident with this strategy we will continue to keep everyone over a barrel.