International Energy Agency warns of low oil price danger
Governments should not count on oil prices remaining low when deciding their energy policies the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned
Energy companies have scaled back investments as oil prices have fallen, which will have serious implications for future projects, Fatih Birol told delegates at Singapore International Energy Week. Investments in oil projects have dropped more than 20% in 2015. The bulk of spending cuts affect projects in Brazil and North America. Worryingly, the IEA estimates that investments could fall further in 2016. “If true, it will be the first time in two decades that we see investment declining in two consecutive years and there could be grave implications for future oil markets”, said Birol. "One should think about the medium and long-term implications of this lack of investments." “Our message is
Also in this section
27 February 2026
LNG would serve as a backup supply source as domestic gas declines and the country’s energy system comes under stress during periods of low hydropower output and high energy demand
27 February 2026
The assumption that oil markets will re-route and work around sanctions is being tested, and it is the physical infrastructure that is acting as the constraint
27 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress to take place in tandem as part of a coordinated week of high-level ministerial, institutional and industry engagements
27 February 2026
The deepwater sector must be brave by fast-tracking projects and making progress to seize huge offshore opportunities and not become bogged down by capacity constraints and consolidation






