Synopses & Reviews
This book is a descriptive analysis of current influences in the world oil trade. It is concerned with a central unchanged paradox of theindustry--its preoccupation with maximizing the production of high-cost rather than low-cost oil. It follows the rise and decline of OPEC monopoly power in the crude market, shows how growth in the international oil business has almost ceased since the late seventies, and explores the reasons behind this slowdown. The author has had twenty-five years of practical consultancy in petroleum economics.
Review
"...for anyone seeking understanding of the forces driving the industry, this is the only book they need to read--or, so far as I know, that attempts the task." Times Literary Supplement"...a serious and original discussion of the economics of the international petroleum trade, its present, and most particularly, its future....this is a fascinating and rich book, tossing out important and thought-provoking ideas one does not necessarily agree with." Middle East Policy
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 294-298) and index.
Table of Contents
1. Pause or plateau?; 2. A discontinuity in trade; 2. Appendices; 3. Costs: concepts and comparisons; 4. Ambitions of autarky; 5. Still the prime mover; 6. An industry restructured; 7. Governments in the oil business; 8. The OPEC performance; 9. A confusion of prices; 10. Perspective of supply; 11. A contrast of expectations; 12. A sustainable paradox?