2001年-OPEC公报_OB012001_77页_2mb

OPEC Summary

Core Content

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental organization established in 1960 in Baghdad. It consists of 11 member countries, including the five founding members (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela) and six additional full members (Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, UAE, Algeria, and Nigeria). Ecuador and Gabon were members but left the organization in 1992 and 1995, respectively.

OPEC's primary objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among its members to ensure fair and stable prices for producers, efficient and regular supply for consumers, and fair returns for investors.

Main Points

• OPEC's Proactive Approach: The organization has adopted a more proactive stance in managing the oil market, exemplified by the decision to reduce output by 1.5 million barrels per day (b/d) in January 2001, effective from February 1, 2001. This move was seen as a strategic anticipation of lower demand and potential price drops.

• Market Stability Efforts: OPEC has historically adjusted output levels to stabilize prices. In 2000, the organization made four output increases totaling nearly 4 million b/d, in addition to non-OPEC partners relaxing production restrictions.

• Impact of Oil Prices: OPEC acknowledges that it can influence crude oil prices but has limited control over product prices, which are heavily impacted by taxation policies in consuming countries.

• Environmental Considerations: OPEC highlights that environmental policies, such as carbon taxes, can significantly affect oil export revenues. It advocates for a balanced approach in climate change negotiations, emphasizing the need to address issues equitably and not hinder the development of poorer nations.

• Climate Change Negotiations: OPEC has been actively involved in climate change talks, particularly regarding the Kyoto Protocol. It supports the Caracas Declaration, which argues that poverty, not just greenhouse gases, is the main cause of environmental degradation.

• OPEC's Role in the Future: With its members accounting for over 60% of international oil trade and more than 75% of global oil reserves, OPEC is expected to maintain a significant role in meeting global energy demand in the coming years.

Key Information

• OPEC Membership:

  • Founding members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela.
  • Full members: Qatar (1961), Indonesia (1962), Libya (1962), UAE (1967), Algeria (1969), Nigeria (1971).
  • Former members: Ecuador (1973–1992), Gabon (1975–1995).

• OPEC Secretariat:

  • Secretary General: Dr Ali Rodríguez Araque.
  • Key officials include Dr Shokri M Ghanem (Research Division), Dr Rezki Lounnas (Energy Studies Department), Dr Muhammad A Al Tayyeb (Data Services Department), and Javad Yarjani (Administration Department).

• Contact Information:

  • Address: Obere Donaustrasse 93, 1020 Vienna, Austria.
  • E-mail: prid@opec.org and opecna@opec.org.
  • Website: http://www.opec.org.
  • Subscription: ATS 850 (€ 61.77) for 12 issues.

• Forthcoming Events (2001):

  • Nigeria Oil & Gas Summit: London, UK, February 22–23, 2001.
  • African Gas 2001: London, UK, March 5–6, 2001.
  • Offshore West Africa Conference Exhibition (OWA 2001): Abuja, Nigeria, March 21–23, 2001.
  • Middle East Petroleum Strategy Briefing VI: Dubai, UAE, March 24–25, 2001.
  • 4th Doha Conference on Natural Gas: Doha, Qatar, March 12–14, 2001.
  • 9th Annual Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference: Dubai, UAE, March 26–28, 2001.
  • Offshore Mediterranean Conference (OMC) 2001: Ravenna, Italy, March 28–30, 2001.
  • European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition: Copenhagen, Denmark, July 2–6, 2001.

• Editorial Policy:

  • OPEC Bulletin is published by the Public Relations & Information Department.
  • It does not necessarily reflect the official views of OPEC or its members.
  • Advertisements are not endorsed by the organization.

• Editorial Staff:

  • Editor-in-Chief: Farouk U Muhammad, mni.
  • Editor: Graham Patterson.
  • Assistant Editor: Philippa Webb.
  • Production: Diana Lavnick.
  • Design: Elfi Plakolm.
  • Circulation: Vacant.

• Environmental and Taxation Issues:

  • OPEC emphasizes the distinction between crude and product prices, attributing the latter to high taxation in consuming nations.
  • It advocates for a fair approach in climate change negotiations, highlighting the need for developed nations to take responsibility for their impact on oil-producing countries.
  • OPEC warns that carbon taxes could reduce oil demand by 7.6–10.1 million b/d by 2010, leading to significant revenue losses for its members.

• OPEC's Commitment to the Future:

  • OPEC believes it will continue to play a vital role in the global energy market due to its large share of global oil production and reserves.
  • It is committed to maintaining market stability while also addressing environmental concerns and supporting the development of its member countries.