Stock manipulation is illegal here, too @Thesi. There is a big...

Stock manipulation is illegal here, too @Thesi. There is a big difference though in a legal sense between publishing an erroneous opinion that is based on fact (for example China spot prices are falling, therefore prices for battery grade lithium worldwide may fall) and claiming that a rumour or a fallacy is fact. It is also extremely difficult to prove collusion and conspiracy, just ask Robert Mueller. Short selling IS legal.

As @gouldos points out above, there is no shortage of money available to the oil industry and its allies. They may all independently have come to the same conclusion on a way to protect their patch.