Final answer:
The region's petroleum and natural gas are predominantly distributed in and around the Persian Gulf, with the Middle East holding about 80% of the world's accessible oil reserves. Azerbaijan in the Caspian Basin also has considerable oil reserves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question about where much of the region's petroleum and natural gas are distributed is A: in and around the Persian Gulf. This area is known to have the world's largest single source of crude oil, and about 80% of the world's readily-accessible oil reserves are located in the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq have significant oil reserves that have been driving the economic forces in the region. The importance of these resources can be seen in the rapid development of countries in the region and in geopolitical tensions, as these fossil fuels have historically been a cause for conflict.
It is also worth noting that the Caspian Basin, specifically in Azerbaijan, holds large oil reserves. As a comparison, the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, the Sahel of North Africa, and throughout Afghanistan's Hindu Kush are less prominent in terms of the distribution of petroleum and natural gas reserves.