Middle East gas could provide an economic and more sustainable energy option especially in terms of meeting local demand, Crystol Energy CEO Carole Nakhle tells Petroleum Economist’s Paul Hickin. She warns against oversimplifying energy debates around peak demand, explains the evolutionary role of OPEC and talks about the importance of diversifying Middle East economies not just regional energy mixes along with the role of fiscal systems to maximise a country’s strengths

OPEC+ spare capacity is much lower than the market consensus and US shale will also struggle to add extra supply in the second half of 2025 providing upside risk to oil prices, according to Emily Ashford. The Standard Chartered energy analyst tells Petroleum Economist’s Paul Hickin that while tariffs, trade and geopolitics add bearishness, much has been priced in and may be offset by a supply side that is likely to see OPEC+’s members involved in additional voluntary cuts take a hiatus in returning volumes after the summer.

Oil and gas can and should coexist with renewables, and policymakers must be aware of the risks to energy access, affordability and sustainability from sometimes ill-judged efforts to tackle climate issues and demonise energy companies, argues Amy Miller. The PRAGMA CEO tells Petroleum Economist’s chief economist Paul Hickin that it’s important to appreciate every country has a unique energy journey and a practical approach to energy and climate needs to be embraced given its pivotal role in everyday life.