What causes the price of crude oil to flunctuate so much?

Do they just find some more oil and then the price goes back down until they run low again? Do consumers really use less when the prices are higher? I don't see that we are using less. I think we all just grumble about the price of gas as we fill our tanks because we know we have no control over it. Or do we? And if so, how?What causes the price of crude oil to flunctuate so much?
There are many factors that affect the price of oil.





When the world economy is strong then the use of oil around the globe increases which will cause the price to go up.


Bottlenecks in refining can also create increased prices, although the oil is drilled and shipped quickly it is slow through the refining process and to market.


Geographical risks around oil prodcuing countries which if escalated could impact the availibility of oil also has an impact.





Bottom line, supply and demand will dictate the price of oil and so does that little organization that has the world by the nads, OPEC.What causes the price of crude oil to flunctuate so much?
Feel a lot of this is tied to the stock market, buying, selling, short, long etc.
The major factor affecting oil prices is the PERCEIVED threat to the oil supply. That is why the price fluctuates so often and easily.
crude is a world wide commodity and prices are based on the amount available and the demand for it. Refinery capacity is also a variable factor.


BUT, mostly it is a simple, supply and demand issue.