They knew the time would come when they would have to pay the piper, and they hope palliatives will fool most of the uninformed.

I guess it doesn't hurt to try...

Seems to work on most people and all governments.

OPEC has been using these exact excuses (plus several others) for several years now. The common theme is higher prices are not their fault, but when prices have been falling and they cut production, the price stability achieved is a result of their effort. I am surprised they didn't mention the weakening dollar in this latest excuse.