Jul 2006

Consumers blame the suppliers. The suppliers blame the consumers. The International Energy Agency says it's an investment problem. Whatever the case, developed countries are facing a natural gas supply shortage. Soon. Derek Brower reports

High oil prices are not just about supply, demand and geopolitics. Without speculators, they would be $20/b lower, says PVM Oil Associates' managing director David Hufton. Interview by James Gavin

A diesel car running on a blend containing GTL fuel has won the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race. In a landmark year for GTL, it is a dream result for the industry. Tom Nicholls writes

The GTL industry is in its infancy, but is already being thought of as a stepping stone to a much bigger idea – fuels from renewable biomass. Tom Nicholls writes

The international dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme is impeding NIOC's efforts to raise oil output. James Gavin looks at the firm's prospects as it seeks to keep foreign oil companies on board

Brazil is rushing to build LNG import terminals in a bid to cut its reliance on Bolivian gas and still meet domestic demand that is forecast to double by 2010, writes Robert Cauclanis

Bolivia's energy nationalisation has been a setback for Petrobras, but the company's Brazilian exploration programme continues to go from strength to strength, writes Robert Cauclanis

It was only a matter of time before the UAE caught the petrochemicals bug from its neighbours. But the possibility of a supply glut in 2010 is one reason Abu Dhabi might want to pause, writes Ayesha Daya

Having successfully embarked on a path of economic diversification, the UAE must now enlarge its gas reserves, writes Ayesha Daya

Poland's largest oil firm is pressing on with its long-delayed plan to turn itself into an integrated oil company less dependent on Russian crude. However, there are questions over its finances and whether it has the management ability to achieve this end, writes NJ Watson

The worldwide chemicals business has, at last, shaken off its years of indifferent performance. Demand, prices and profits are up, driven mainly by the growth-engines of China and the US – and southeast China is emerging as a world-scale centre of petrochemicals production, Martin Quinlan writes