David Blair's Blog, page 130

Oil falls as Opec discusses production increase

Oil prices fell amid expectations that Opec , the producers' cartel, would raise production at the conclusion of a highly charged meeting.

Saudis seek higher Opec output quotas

Opec's oil ministers are expected to raise their output quotas when they meet in Vienna today, but analysts cautioned that this would not necessarily translate into more supply for the market.

Saudis raise oil production to curb prices

Saudi Arabia has been quietly increasing its crude oil production ahead of Wednesday's meeting of the Opec oil cartel, in a sign that Riyadh is trying to bring oil prices down to more comfortable levels for consumers in the US, Europe and China.

Opec faces tough call over oil output

In the opaque world of Opec, a big headline boost to the cartel's output quotas could translate into a tiny rise, or no change at all, in actual oil production.

HSE to investigate lethal oil refinery blast

The Health and Safety Executive will begin a formal investigation into an explosion at a Chevron oil refinery in Wales that killed four people.

How much will carbon emissions cost in 2013?

Last month, Nick Clegg cited the government's Carbon Price Support Mechanism as "exactly an example" of a policy being introduced in an "absolutely predictable" way. This measure, announced in the last budget, will force all polluters to pay more for the carbon dioxide they produce. Clegg told a business audience in London that all emitters would start by paying £16 per tonne in 2013 and the amount would then rise annually until 2020.

'Green Deal' aims to win trust of public

Ministers have tried to address public lack of trust in energy companies by offering assurances about the "Green Deal" – a policy designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes.

Opec set to consider increase in oil output

Opec's oil ministers will consider raising production quotas for the first time in almost four years when they meet in Vienna next week, according to a senior delegate.

Centrica leaves key gas field idle

Centrica has decided not to restart production in one of Britain's biggest gasfields because of increased taxes on energy companies.

Centrica leaves key gas field off-line

It was not a bluff. When Centrica warned a month ago that it might choose to leave one of Britain's biggest gas fields off-line because of the higher taxes levied on UK energy companies, some thought this was an empty threat.