The global oil-demand growth forecast for 2017 depends on a bumper Q4
Either Q1-Q4 crude consumption will rise at its fastest pace since 2010, or the data are very wrong
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest monthly market report is a sobering read for anyone thinking the market was speeding towards supply-demand balance. OECD stocks rose again in April and are now 292m barrels above the five-year average. That metric is important: Saudi Arabia is using it to judge the effectiveness of Opec's cuts. Production is obviously a culprit. The price rise that followed Opec's decision to start holding back supply last November put rockets under US supply. The Energy Information Administration, part of the US government, expects output from the country's major shale formations to reach 5.48m barrels a day in July, its highest-ever level. Globally, the IEA sa
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
