What lies behind the dramatic spike in oil and gas prices of recent years? What role have American oil companies played in it? And what do American economists and business leaders expect down the road? This CNBC Original documentary follows the flow of oil—from drill site to supertanker to refinery, then finally to the gas tank—while addressing economic and geopolitical issues associated with the planet’s petroleum thirst. Documenting the search for new oil resources on Alaska’s North Slope, the program also examines America’s relationships with Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Libya, and China in an oil context. Interviewees include former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, ConocoPhillips CEO James Mulva, and Antonia Juhasz of Global Exchange. Not available in French-speaking Canada. Original CNBC broadcast title: The Hunt for Black Gold. (45 minutes)