The quick and dramatic increase in world crude oil prices since 1999—there were also fluctuations during 1999—is the primary factor behind the sharp rise in pump prices during that period.
L'augmentation rapide et dramatique des prix du pétrole en 1999—on avait eu des fluctuations en 1999 aussi—est la principale responsable de la montée en flèche des prix de l'essence à la pompe.