A Nation on Empty: 18 Photos That Tell the Story of the 1970s Oil Crisis

Written by Rachel Schneider on July 17, 2025

Left: Cars lined up at a gas station during a fuel shortage. Right: A group of people sitting on an empty highway, possibly protesting or blocking the road, with no vehicles in sight. Both images appear to be from past decades.

Gas station lines snaked around corners, pumps ran dry, and “Sorry, No Gas” signs became as common as traffic lights. The 1973 oil crisis slammed into American life with little warning, triggering widespread panic and reshaping the nation’s energy habits overnight. Sparked by an embargo from the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), the crisis served as a wake-up call, exposing the U.S. economy’s deep dependence on foreign oil. From rationing to rising prices, these vintage photos show the severity of the crisis.

1. Gassing Up the Lawn Mower

A man wearing a hat and plaid pants stands with a lawnmower in a long line of cars at a gas station, illustrating a fuel shortage crisis in a busy parking lot setting. — Imgur

2. So Many Rules and Stipulations

A handwritten sign at a gas station reads: "Gas sold 9am to 12 noon only. Premium only 66.9¢. Pay in advance. $5 maximum. Disorderly conduct will close pump." An old gas pump and fencing are visible in the background. — roadtrip-ne / Reddit.com

3. Reduced Hours

A 1970s Texaco gas station with a sign reading, “Our station hours are reduced due to gas shortage. Sorry.” Classic cars are parked and driving by, highlighting a fuel crisis-era scene. — Meunderwears / Reddit.com

4. Chaotic Lines To Fuel Up

Aerial view of a crowded gas station with dozens of cars lined up in multiple lanes and spilling into the street, suggesting a fuel shortage. The station has "STANDARD" signs and the vehicles appear to be from the 1970s. — GaGator43 / Reddit.com

5. Businesses Keeping Their Lights Off Along the Pacific Highway to Conserve Energy

A busy city street at dusk with cars driving in both directions, illuminated storefront signs, streetlights, and a large full moon visible in the purple-pink sky. — RepresentativeNews87 / Reddit.com

6. Mad Scramble to the Gas Station

Black-and-white photo of cars lined up at a Gulf gas station, some at odd angles, as drivers wait for fuel. A person walks near the pump, and more cars fill the intersection and side streets. Urban setting, 1970s style. — sussoutthemoon / Reddit.com

7. Giving It Over to God

Two old gas pumps, painted red and purple, stand in front of a building with "JESUS SAVES" painted on it. The pumps are labeled with religious messages: "Fill up with the Holy Ghost & Fire" and "Fill up with Old Time Salvation. — 5_Frog_Margin / Reddit.com

8. Filling Up as Fast as Possible

Black-and-white photo of men pumping gas into cars at a crowded gas station, with vehicles lined up near the pumps and an attendant assisting drivers during a fuel shortage. — bornslippy_nuxx / Reddit.com

9. Picnicking in the Middle of the Highway

A group of people sit in a circle in the middle of an empty highway, with a few vehicles and one cyclist in the distance. The scene appears peaceful, possibly a protest or demonstration. — -Maz / Reddit.com

10. Men Riding Horses Down the Street in Amsterdam During a Motorless Day

Four people ride horses down a narrow city street lined with parked cars, while a child stands near a fallen bicycle in the foreground. The scene appears to be from a past era, likely the 1970s. — Vranak / Reddit.com

12. This Looks Like a Nice Quiet Place to Relax …

A man sits reading a newspaper on an armchair with a lamp and plant beside him, while a boy waves from a toy tricycle; both are in the middle of an empty highway, with trucks lined up in the distance. — cualcrees / Reddit.com

13. No Gas, But Still Open for Services

A large sign in a storefront window reads, "OPEN for Services, NO GASOLINE TODAY." Two men stand outside the building, which appears to be a gas station or service center. — Imgur

14. Grab Your Gas Cans

People stand in line holding gas cans at a gas station, with a sign showing fuel prices and a stop sign visible. The image appears to be from the 1970s, likely during a fuel shortage. — UserDeleted / Reddit.com

15. Sorry, No Gas

A man kneels beside gas pumps at a station, spray-painting “SORRY NO GAS” on a large sign, indicating a fuel shortage. — UserDeleted / Reddit.com

16. Car-Free Sundays in the Netherlands

An older man rides a bicycle alone on a wide, empty highway beneath several overhead road signs. The scene appears to be from an earlier era, and there are no cars or other people visible. — -FaZe- / Reddit.com

18. The King of Norway Taking the Tram To Go Skiing During the Oil Crisis

A bus conductor checks tickets of passengers seated inside a bus on a snowy day. A man hands over his ticket while others, including a smiling child in a hat and scarf, watch the interaction. — Skrrtild / Reddit.com

Curious about other world calamities?

You might be interested in 17 Photos From History’s Worst Industrial Accidents, as well as From Tornados to Terrorism: 15 Photos That Show the Moment Catastrophe Hit. And if it’s disasters of a medical variety you’re after, take a look at 15 Photos From the Polio Epidemic You Won’t Forget.