Jan 2015
Oil & Gas IQ | 2015 Predictions
From continuing civil strife in the Cradle of Civilisation and the emergence of a terrorist-led pretender state in the Fertile Crescent, to a conflict in Central Europe that shows no sign of abating: nobody could say that the fourteenth year of the 21st century passed into history without event.
Oil prices have been slashed by more than half over a six month period, and we see warnings of dire economic hardship in the months ahead as the Eurozone slips into a deflationary funk, and even the Chinese dragon is left to brood on lower than expected growth.
As 2015 dawns we’d like to indulge in a spot of informed guessing, with a side order of crystal ball-gazing and try to predict some of the trends that we think will form our industry this calendar year.
It is always a tricky business to try and presage the shape of things to come, and as we stare into the aether of events yet to unfold, I certainly hope that our efforts are misbegotten in more than one instance...
Agree, disagree or have anything to add to these predictions?
Let us know at twitter.com/OilandGasIQ
Oil & Gas IQ | 2015 Predictions
OIL TO BE $60 OR LOWER INTO H2
The price of Brent crude oil has plummeted by 45 per cent in recent months and there are no indications that an uptick will be on the cards in the first two quarters of 2015.
Lessened demand in the Eurozone and a slowing Chinese economy, combined with oversupply in the USA and the proclivities of an OPEC that will benefit in the long run from a cut-price crude, are all inhibitors to a rebound in the price of Black Gold.
Analysts have mooted that oil could sink as low as $40 per barrel in the first half of 2015, which would have severe consequences for the global economy.
Oil & Gas IQ | 2015 Predictions
VENEZUELA DEFAULT
In South America, the continent’s largest holder of hydrocarbon reserves, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is braced to default on its debt.
The