OPEC inaction means no price rise in '78
Stable oil prices are expected to hold through 1978 since the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) made no change at its December price conference. About 35 percent of oil consumed by the U.S. is imported from OPEC nations, whose prices cannot be raised until the next conference in July. Analysts note that there was disagreement between OPEC members at the recent conference and conclude that there was stronger pressure to keep the cartel united than to raise prices. Analysts also felt that a fluctuating supply/demand balance caused by winter weather and an excess of oil stocks was a factor, although production cuts by Saudi Arabia is expected to reduce some of the oversupply. Price cuts in the form of discounts and long-term credit are foreseen as non-OPEC supplies increase.
- OSTI ID:
- 5248189
- Journal Information:
- Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 2:52; ISSN EUSND
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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AGREEMENTS
AVAILABILITY
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DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC ELASTICITY
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MONOPOLIES
OPEC
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