The story of Land of Black Gold begins with an ominous atmosphere: war is looming in Europe and, in fact, the entire world. The conflict is fueled by concerns over oil supplies. Various companies are in conflict over the right to supply oil, and the tension is rising between the Arab states that hold reserves of this precious liquid.
Saboteurs have added a mystery chemical to petrol supplies, rendering cars, airplanes and military vehicles (and thus the military) useless. Tintin sets off for the Middle East. There, he hopes to unmask those responsible for the plot. The leader turns out to be none other than Doctor Müller.
