During two hours of the nocturnal drinking binge Perkins purchased 7 million barrels of crude, equivalent to 69% of the global market, and pushed prices from $71.40 to $73.05 to hit an eight month peak.

Perkins was left in a terrified state the following morning when informed by an admin clerk of the trades, and sent a message to his boss claiming he was required at home that day to care for an ailing family member.

The $9.8 million losses incurred by Perkins prompted an official investigation, leading to a fine of $116,878 and the annulment of his trading license.

Perkins may apply for re-approval of his license in five years time conditional on his sobriety, although regulators caution that “Mr. Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk.”