Dec 2002

While the world waits to see if the US will launch a military strike against Iraq to try to unseat Saddam Hussein, attention is turning to the country’s future role as an energy supplier. Iraq’s oil wealth is undisputed, but it is far from clear how quickly any new government in Baghdad could realise its potential. David Townsend reports

The Afghanistani government is seeking funds to rehabilitate its energy infrastructure and proposals for trans-Afghanistan pipelines are being dusted off. In addition to its integral role as a transit route, the country’s potential as an exploration frontier may attract foreign energy companies, writes Paul Hueper

Tyumen Oil has ambitious plans to increase production and exports over the next few years as demand for Russian oil and products grows on international markets. Simon Kukes, president, has an optimistic view of the outlook for the company and the country. Tom Nicholls reports

To continental European eyes, the Nordic countries present a strange and paradoxical model of energy supply. But it works, so there is no rush to change it, Martin Quinlan writes

India has embarked on a major overhaul of its energy sector. Among the government’s main aims are reducing the country’s crude oil import requirement and taking greater care of the environment. David Townsend talks to the oil minister, Ram Naik, about his vision for change

Much of the responsibility for reducing India’s over-reliance on imports to satisfy its already high and growing crude demand rests on the shoulders of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation. David Townsend spoke to the company’s chairman, Subir Raha, about this and other challenges

With a key tender deadline for gas supplies to India drawing near, international oil firms and state-owned Petrobangla are awaiting a government decision on whether gas exports will be sanctioned. The country’s long-term energy prospects will be impacted by a decision either way. Paul Hueper reports from Dhaka

Models have been made, most famously by Arthur D Little, suggesting that the oil majors will one day become virtual companies. They will outsource everything except their strategy, which will remain, like the grin of the Cheshire Cat, when the rest of the feline has entirely disappeared, writes Nigel Ash

While the Kyoto process inches forward and the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme awaits approval in detail by its member states, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme has been operating since April. Liz Bossley investigates the trading action in the UK two-thirds of the way through the first compliance period

While gas demand is expected to continue to grow around the world over the next 25 years, and even beyond, some marked differences in regional consumption patterns are emerging. David Townsend reports