Saudi Arabia has pressured smaller nations to accept production quota reductions
E&P investment becoming mission impossible
Oil price volatility and the high cost of hedging mean putting money into exploration and production is unaffordable for all but the largest players
The Opec+ members and central bankers from the EU, the US and the UK all announced key decisions in June 2023. Their actions vividly demonstrated why investors across the world will put money into building plants to produce everything from computer chips to batteries but will not back proposals to drill for oil. The central bankers, as usual, telegraphed their actions in advance in a concerted effort to warn investors and/or confirm market expectations. The policies adopted since the appointment of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as oil minister have made it more challenging for most companies to invest safely in oil exploration. These policies clearly result from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salma
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
