The druid Getafix is running short of rock oil an essential ingredient in the magic potion which gives the Gaulish villagers superhuman strength to fight Julius Caesars Roman legions. But the Phoenician merchant Ekonomikrisis has forgotten the druids order & Asterix & Obelix set off to prospect for black gold in the Middle Eastern desert. Their mission is complicated by the Roman secret agent Dubbelosix & his amazing folding chariot which is equipped with all the latest spy gadgets. Although they finally come home empty-handed all is not lost Getafix has discovered that beetroot juice works just as well in the potion