(The target) would require the group becoming one of the best explorers among the integrated oil companies, rather than one of the worst. |
Despite the increase, there is nothing to suggest that the group will be able to increase its growth prospects, which should depress returns. |
Earnings tend to follow the cycle in oil prices, and this is the peak of the cycle. Going forward, there is a lot of investment from the industry in capacity. |
Eni had always been regarded as a likely predator. |
Governments in Europe are still concerned about national interests, ... they see oil companies as important for national security. |
Hunting has reported a good set of final results ... We believe that the group will be one of the prime beneficiaries of the increase in upstream capital expenditure by the integrated oil companies. |
If we get a cold snap we could spike towards $30 and it is sustainable at $25 for a month or two. |
In other words, it will go Total's way. |
It still seems in the balance and it is very difficult to call, |
It's a better performance from refining and marketing. |
It's a good set of numbers. |
Norway is a relatively high-cost area [for oil exploration], the Norwegian Shelf is becoming more mature and it's slipping down the appeal curve. |
Shell has had another poor performance with the drill bit. |
Shell is getting near crisis point. Although the Asia crisis has bottomed out, the rest of the world has dropped off. |
supply and demand price for oil stands at around $27, so $5 to $6 (of the current price) is pure speculation. There is no demand for oil at these prices, buyers are sitting and hoping oil prices will fall, but prices could shoot up if there is a panic. There is real concern heating oil could run out. |