Mar 2010

Crude oil prices are in the range Opec wants. But uncertainty about the demand outlook remains a worry. Derek Brower interviews the group's secretary-general, Abdalla El-Badri

That could include the establishment of a central energy buyer to co-ordinate the country's energy requirements

Different countries define it in different ways. The Western view – that governments and not companies should generally be responsible for social benefits – sometimes conflicts with that held by populations in third-world countries, which often expect philanthropy

World oil production dropped by 45,000 b/d in January, to 83.63m b/d, says the IEA

The struggle for leadership in clean-energy technology pitches the ingenuity and know-how of Silicon Valley against the industrial might of China, writes Conal Walsh

There are signs of change at Pemex, but it remains heavily indebted and doubts over its claim to have stabilised oil production have not gone away, reports Robert Olson

Petrobras continues to defy gravity by maintaining its large investment programme, but must source large numbers of skilled workers to advance its expansion plans, writes Robert Olson

The recent murderous attack on a foreign football team has allowed the Cabindan separatist movement to take the world stage – and it raises security concerns for about a quarter of Angola's oil production, Martin Quinlan writes

Modest increases in Egypt's oil and gas reserves are keeping IOCs interested, despite concerns over investment terms, writes Digby Lidstone

Natural gas can solve North America's energy supply dilemma. EnCana boss Randy Eresman talks to Derek Brower

Talisman Energy is reshuffling its portfolio, seeking growth from North America's shale-gas resources. Derek Brower meets the company

Apache's acquisition of a majority stake in the proposed Kitimat LNG export terminal makes its chance of proceeding more likely, but it will probably not presage a spate of export projects elsewhere in North America, writes Ian Lewis

PNG LNG shows strong projects can secure financing, write Robin Baker, Frederic C Rich and John J Anselmi

As the recession eases and oil demand rises, day rates in the oil-tanker market have rebounded. But the sector's susceptibility to volatility should not be underestimated, writes Martin Clark

Investment in shipyard capacity and technology is paying off, with the Gulf region undertaking increasingly sophisticated work in both the marine and services sectors

The recession has hit the US biofuels industry, but government initiatives and rising oil prices are supporting development of next-generation cellulosic fuels, writes Ian Lewis

For countries with large, even low-quality, coal reserves, gasification technology can enhance energy security while reducing energy costs

The decision is expected to lead to the go-ahead, this month or next, for the first gas development in the area, Total's Laggan-Tormore

THE UK's 26th offshore licensing round, launched in late January, opens for exploration almost all the unlicensed acreage surrounding the country – including disappointing areas, first offered in early rounds

Saudi Arabia will spend $170bn in its energy sector in the next five years as it bets on a global resurgence in economic growth and energy demand

The first deep-water well drilled offshore Mozambique has come in as a substantial gas discovery for Anadarko

The world is cutting down on carbon emissions, but it will continue to rely heavily on Opec oil. Opec must invest in new production capacity, says the IEA

With European oil refining capacity in surplus and demand falling, Total is closing a refinery in France and other majors are likely to follow

If research shows hydraulic fracturing has adverse health or environmental effects, new regulations could discourage shale-gas development

The long-awaited competitiveness review of Alberta's oil and gas royalty rates offers a new tone, but the details are still obscure

The US is lagging behind Europe and China in developing green-energy technology and must invest heavily to catch up

The downstream industry's weakness is a compelling piece of evidence that oil is overpriced