Bahrain economy: What impact will the turmoil have?
The price of crude has risen almost two per cent on world markets, largely because of the worsening violence in Bahrain.
Bahrain was the first place in the Middle East to hit oil.
But the find, at Well Number One in 1931, was the Gulf kingdom's only discovery to date.
The commodity makes up only about 15% of its economic output, and the economy is reliant on other industries, chiefly financial services and tourism.
Now there are fears the violence could also damage its position as an international financial hub.
Jeremy Howell reports.
16 Mar 2011