What Chance a Production Freeze?
Saudi Arabia and Russia increase pressure on Iran In February Russia and Saudi Arabia agreed to freeze oil production at the January 2016 level, but only if they are joined…
In the News
Groundbreakers
A new book on the history of the upstream petroleum industry is itself a groundbreaker in a fascinating field. Groundbreakers: The Story of Oilfield Technology and the People Who Made…
Western Europe: Production Up – Exploration Down
Oil production in Western Europe increased for the first time this century. Oil and gas production in Western Europe* was in decline from 2000 to 2014, with liquid production decreasing…
Australia’s ‘Big Red’ Centre
‘Big Red’ country, encapsulated in Australia’s first National Landscape – Australia’s Red Centre is now being recognised as a major draw for global travellers seeking outstanding geotourism experiences in the…
Embracing Energy
What are the alternatives? The mood in the O&G industry is undoubtedly pessimistic. In a recent survey of 6,000 industry professionals*, nearly 50% of respondents declared themselves to be ‘not…
Yemen: The Issues
Yemen has plenty of potential – but the country’s war has significance far beyond its boundaries. Despite having known reserves and promising potential, as discussed in the complimentary article Petroleum Basins…
The Atlantic Road A Metamorphic Journey
The Atlantic Road, one of the National Tourist Roads of Norway, offers great scenery all year around. ‘“I’ve never met a morph that I didn’t like,” I say, repeating a…
What Next for the Arctic?
Arctic waters hold vast undiscovered hydrocarbon reserves, but will they ever be exploited? Cheaper oil is for the moment driving people away from offshore Arctic exploration. Maybe this will give…
Tough Times Still Ahead
Six factors suggest the oil price will remain low in 2016. Oil prices fell markedly in December and still further in January, dropping below $30/barrel for a short time. The…
Finding A&D Opportunities in the Fog
Global upstream exploration deal flow in a declining commodity price market. When assessing opportunities for successful acquisition and divestment of upstream assets, looking into the future can perhaps be compared…
A Wind of Change?
A recent UN agreement aimed at countering anthropogenic climate change is predicted to have a major impact on the oil and gas industry. What, if anything, is being done to…
After the Arab Spring: Hopes and Hazards in North Africa
The outcomes of political upheaval and insecurity in North Africa will be felt in the wider region and beyond, with Europe in particular either contributing to the region’s prosperity or…