How important was oil in the Middle East in WW1 (Part 1)?

By early 1918, all the key players in the Great War understand the future importance of oil. The city of Baku on the Caspian Sea becomes a prized objective because of its substantial oil production. Germany and Great Britan both want to cap By early 1918, all the key players in the Great War understand the future importance of oil. The city of Baku on the Caspian Sea becomes a prized objective because of its substantial oil production. Germany and Great Britan both want to capture the city, but it falls to the Turks in September 1918.

Baku continues to be a key center for oil production. In 2006, an oil pipeline is completed from Baku to the Black Sea. With this major development, oil from Baku will flow more easily to the West.