The oil and gas landscape continues to show signs of rapid change that sporadically brings up challenges for the industry to adapt to. In 2012, many oil companies owed their profitability to a really strong downstream performance. Unplanned outa...

Across the globe, countries are at different stages of transition to new energy systems that more readily deliver on the three key energy challenges of promoting economic development, providing energy security and access while achieving environmen...

The challenge of growing oil and gas production seems harder than ever as we enter 2013. Despite a forecast of even higher spend in 2013 than 2012 (with forecasts from Barclays Capital of a new high for upstream expenditure at  US$644 billioni) th...

Despite supply uncertainties resurfacing in the Middle East and economic stimulus programs unfurling in the Eurozone, China and the USA, the prevailing trend in oil markets for 2013 seems to be one of oversupply.  As the global economy continues t...

Despite some current signs to the contrary, demand for both oil and gas is set to continue to increase. Today’s challenges such as the Eurozone crisis and slowing gross domestic product (GDP) in both developed and now some developing countries con...

There is increasing evidence that the world is making a transition to a cleaner energy system where non-carbon fuels will play a bigger part. While both Germany and Japan were motivated to move away from nuclear energy, toward renewable energy by ...

As the upstream environment gets tougher for the oil and gas industry, information technology is playing an increasingly vital role to make operations more integrated and efficient. Growing evidence of this comes from the findings of the latest Ac...

Unless the Euro crashes and everyone’s worst fears come true, the oil industry seems to be moving into another significant growth phase.   Several reasons prompt me to strike an optimistic note amid the general gloom. While some organizations, ...

2012 has been a challenging start to the year for refining in Europe. 2011 saw refiners dealing with overcapacity issues, operational inefficiencies and falling demand, all combined with the pressure of costlier supplies to offset the loss of Liby...

The outlook for gas production and supply is still looking strong but one of the big concerns for the growth picture is infrastructure challenges in key markets. An interesting new trend—increased drilling for gas to access natural gas liquids (NG...