The 1973 oil crisis was one of the most viral economic shocks of the 20th century, reshaping global energy policy and economic thought. It began when OPEC imposed an embargo on nations supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War, causing oil prices to quadruple almost overnight. Gasoline shortages led to long lines at stations, a viral image of the era that symbolized scarcity and panic. Economies reeled, inflation soared, and recessions followed across the developed world. The crisis highlighted dependence on oil and the geopolitical risks of energy reliance. It spurred energy conservation, alternative fuels, and debates about globalization. Viral photos of “No Gas Today” signs captured the shock and frustration of ordinary citizens. The oil crisis reshaped economic policy, leading to stagflation, a mix of stagnant growth and inflation that challenged traditional economic theories. It remains a viral case study in resource economics, geopolitics, and vulnerability. The event taught nations the importance of energy security and diversification. It showed how a single resource could hold economies hostage. It revealed the fragility of global supply chains. It sparked debates about renewable energy and climate change that continue today. It created a generation conscious of energy use, fuel efficiency, and conservation. It reshaped industries, from automobiles to manufacturing. It forced governments to rethink monetary policy. It remains a vivid reminder that economics is deeply tied to geopolitics. It continues to shape debates about oil, energy, and sustainability. It was not just an economic crisis but a cultural moment, remembered in images, stories, and policy shifts. It remains a defining event in economic history, showing how resource shocks can ripple through every aspect of society.