Opec’s dominant members have repeated the mantra in recent months that the worst is over and that there is no need for an output freeze (MEES, 22 April). Crude prices have risen sharply since early April, and have averaged almost $50/B for Brent since mid-May (MEES, 1 July): with the market apparently moving towards balance both futures markets and most pundits agree that the general trend is upwards.

That may be the case, but annual revenue for the group’s members could be down by as much as 26% from last year’s record breaking lows, MEES analysis indicates. (CONTINUED - 915 WORDS)