Counterpoint: spermaceti is currently $22.75 for 100 grams. No idea on the conversion rate to oil or the price relative to inflation because I’m starting an absurd argument and I’m not wasting much energy on it, but it seems really high.

Anyways, in 180 years, oil may be much more expensive.

https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/spermaceti/S25795

They know their value and they’re willing to fight for it, that’s the problem.