VOL XXX

NO. 8

1-DECEMBER-1986

OPEC QUEST FOR $18/B CRUDE PRICE WILL BE TOUGH GOING

Although there is general support within OPEC for the $18/B crude priceproposed by Saudi Arabia, it is becoming more and more evident, as the 11December starting date for the crucial OPEC conference in Geneva approaches,that many thorny obstacles stand in the way of its successful implementation.

To be sure, on the face of it, a clear majority has emerged in favor of a"prompt return" to a system of fixed prices for...