![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() by Daniel J. Graeber Algiers, Algeria (UPI) Sep 26, 2016
It's not essential to use artificial action on the energy market to correct the imbalance between supply and demand, Russia's energy minister said from Algeria. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak arrived in Algeria to attend an international energy conference where members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-members may consider either cutting production levels or holding them steady to stimulate crude oil prices. The price for Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, is 2.3 percent less than this time last year and 51 percent lower than late September 2014 levels. Though recovering, the lower price of oil has pushed the Russian economy into recession. Novak last week said ministers could consider an option to keep production rates steady for the next three to six months, but there are no offers on the table to actually cut production. Artificial action could narrow the gap between supply and demand at a time when the global economy is showing only lackluster signs of growth. In comments published by Russian news agency Tass before leaving for Algiers, Novak said it wasn't essential to push for extraordinary measures as the market would take care of itself. "It is not critical for us," he said. "I think already in the second half of the year we will see a restored balance of demand and supply." Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio Del Pino told the state oil company known as PDVSA that global crude oil production would need to drop by about 10 percent, or 9 million barrels per day, in order to keep up with current demand. Novak this year said this era's price for crude oil of around $50 was normal. In a Sept. 5 statement with his Saudi counterpart, the minister said that the onus was on them, as two countries that combine to meet about 20 percent of the global demand for crude oil, to coordinate on ways to address widespread volatility in oil prices. Speaking during the weekend, Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa, meanwhile, said he was hedging his bets on the outcome of meetings with his counterparts. "If we come to an agreement, it's good, if we come up with elements of an agreement, it is also good," he was quoted in state media as saying. Similar efforts at a so-called freeze collapsed earlier this year along multilateral lines. While struggling members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries support any action that would drive prices higher, others like Iran are wary of cutting output as producers struggle to protect their market share.
Related Links All About Oil and Gas News at OilGasDaily.com
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |