Middle East Economic Survey

VOL. XLVIII

No 47

21-November-2005

OIL PRICES

Crude Prices Volatile But Weakening, Taking OPEC Basket Below $50/B

Crude oil prices eased early last week as traders saw recent mild weather cutting the pressure on winter heating fuel inventories. As the OPEC Basket price slid towards $50/B there was speculation that OPEC may decide to reduce output when ministers meet in Kuwait on 12 December. OPEC President Shaikh Ahmad al-Sabah told reporters on 14 November that the...