Oil prices are uncertain moving higher on OPEC cuts, Iranian sanctions and uncertainty about Venezuela and :Libya. It moves lower with uncertainty about China and the economic outlook. Increased shale production threatens OPEC, while OPEC's alliance with Russia and other non members increased its ability to support prices.

How much of the oil price is due to Iran and how much to other countries with the potential for a major supply interruption.? What is the impact of a weakened Chinese and Asian economies? How much to the value of the dollar? How much can be attributed to China and the rest of Asia? Why did demand grow so fast in China, India and most of the OPEC member countries? Was it all just due to their economic growth?

How much of the price can be attributed to speculators? How much is due to the index fund speculation by institutional investors?

Have we hit peak oil, peak investment or peak consumption? How much spare oil production capacity exists and how does it relate to price? Most spikes in oil prices are associated with war or civil unrest in exporting countries. Which producers are at greatest risk for war or revolution? Geopolitical risk of a supply interruption has never been higher.

Can shale drilling for natural gas eliminate U.S. dependence on oil imports?

We also look at the broader picture examining hydrocarbon's place in the world's energy future.

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Concise analysis and summaries focus on the major factors that impact oil, natural gas and petroleum product markets and prices. To help you keep up with companies and countries in the news you will receive Energy Economist Newsletter 3-4 times a week with analysis, links to news sources from across the globe, and access to our subscriber website.

Need detail?

Weekly: Clients have access to over 2,000 graphs, charts and tables of production, imports, inventories and demand for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products on a global, national and regional basis. Exploration and production is monitored with 100 graphs of drilling activity: onshore, offshore, oil, gas, directional and horizontal drilling for the U.S. and Canada, supplemented with monthly graphs and analysis of the international drilling activity. 

Monthly: World production for OPEC member countries and other major producing nations; petroleum demand and stocks of OECD countries; international rotary rig count; U.S well completions and workover rig counts.

Understanding Markets

If you are concerned about energy prices and markets, and their impact on your business, our energy market series will help you understand the economic and political factors that determine market prices.