Conference to look at changing role of national oil companies

Conference to look at changing role of national oil companies

BY FRANZ BROTZEN
Rice News staff

A conference at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy on ”The Changing Role of the National Oil Companies (NOCs) in International Energy Markets” will bring together government leaders and experts from industry and academia March 1-2 to look at the changing strategies of the national oil companies in the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Africa and China.

A major Baker Institute Energy Forum study investigating the long-term geopolitical and economic implications of the growing influence of national oil companies on global energy markets will also be presented.

Approximately 77 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves are controlled by NOCs. U.S.- and European-based multinational oil companies now control less than 10 percent of the world’s oil and gas resource base. Of the top 20 oil-producing companies in the world, 14 are NOCs or newly privatized NOCs. The Baker Institute Policy Report will examine the changing strategies and behavior of NOCs and how those changes will affect the future supply, security and pricing of oil.

The event, which is open to Rice students, faculty and staff, will be held at Baker Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 1.

Those wishing to attend must R.S.V.P. by e-mail, <bipprsvp@rice.edu>, or fax, 713-348-5993. For more information, contact Lauren Smulcer at <lauren.a.smulcer@rice.edu>.