Arab Gulf states are heavily reliant on oil and gas production for economic and security needs. (AFP)
By AL ARABIYA
The Middle East will continue to play a “pivotal role” in supplying
global markets with oil, much needed for sustainable economic growth,
even if the United States becomes self-sufficient in oil and gas
production, as projected within a few years, U.S. think-tank the
Atlantic Council said in a report.
“U.S. energy production has been more than offset by the decline in
non-OPEC production,” making Arab oil still vital for the global
economy, Odeh Aburdene, president of OAI Advisors - an advisory firm
providing consultancy on Middle East business, energy and private equity
- said in the report.
“It is expected that world energy consumption in the next twenty years
will increase by 30 percent. Thus, it is premature to herald the demise
of Arab oil,” Aburdene added.
“The significance of Middle East oil does not arise from U.S. oil
imports from the region, but from its production capacity to supply some
of the major world economies with oil at reasonable prices.”
Geopolitical problems, such as the Iranian nuclear program, the
Arab-Israeli conflict and political transition, will continue to make
the United States “deeply engaged in the region for a long time,” he
said.
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