More than a sixfold increase in the cost of transporting oil in the world markets The American bank Goldman Sachs announced that the cost of transporting a barrel of crude oil in the world market rose from about three dollars to more than $20 in one year; According to this bank, the increase occurred under the influence of tensions in the Middle East. Rising insurance costs, oil tanker rents and restrictions on sea lanes have raised the cost of supplying oil and could put more economic pressure on energy-importing countries. The continuation of this trend may also increase the cost of refining and distribution of petroleum products and lead to an increase in fuel prices and increased inflationary pressures.