Statistical Review of World Energy 2000

Last year was a complex one in the world's energy markets, according to the new BP Amoco Statistical Review of World Energy 2000. Energy consumption remained almost flat, growing at only 0.2%, but a number of competing factors contributed to the figure. Oil and gas markets recovered from the slump of 1998 and early 1999, with oil prices trebling and natural gas prices doubling in key markets. Another important influence was the continuing reduction of coal production and consumption in China. The fall in coal use in the world's second-largest coal market affected total world consumption. The weather also had an impact—1999 was the fifth-warmest year in 140 years and the 21st consecutive year