Published also as thesis (Ph. D.) Columbia University, 1925.

This volume presents papers drawn from ECSSR's Second Annual Energy Conference entitled, "Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options," held in Abu Dhabi, October 26-27, 1996. The work highlights and investigates the changes which are occurring in the demand structure for oil, changes that will have far-reaching consequences for oil producers, refiners and distributors who wish to perform in an ever-competitive market. Written principally by leading practitioners, the essays represent the most current thinking on how and in which direction the oil industry, particularly in the Gulf region, is developing. Readers will find trenchant analyses of vertical integration as a strategy for oil security, refining and petroleum product specifications in Asia, privatization initiatives in the Gulf's energy sectors, downstream integration of national oil companies, and options and opportunities for Gulf oil companies in the Asian market. Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options is not only a valuable collection of information and argument but it also offers a rare insight into the beliefs and perceptions of those participating in today's international oil industry.

Originally published in 1985 by a group of international experts and oil industry officials, this book surveys the dramatic changes which took place in the oil industry in the second half of the twentieth century. It discusses the role of OPEC and the long term impact its decisions had for both producers and oil consumers and examines possible future trends in the oil industry structure and stability, together with the possible consequences for North Sea oil and gas development.