The current situation may look bleak, but there is actually some hope in the way that developments are unfolding. The worsening worldwide prospects for interest rates and growth are forcing a reassessment of the demand outlook for oil. This should lead to at least a temporary easing in the price. It has been high-priced oil and gasoline, added to the forced savings of the credit crunch and the U.S. housing collapse, that have stood in the way of consumers rescuing the economy.