SUDAN would increase its crude oil output by 400,000 barrels a day within three to four years thanks to improved oil-extraction technique, said Sudan’s state oil firm (Sudapet) today.

AS oil prices roller-coastered from record highs near $150 per barrel a year ago down to $35, many pointed fingers at traditional scapegoats OPEC and oil sheiks synonymous with the group.

THE oil politics of Nigeria is as aggravating as it is comical. The Babangida government magnanimously gave back 4% of revenue accruing to oil sales and in the present 1999 Constitution the figure was increased to 13%.

TOTAL E&P Nigeria Limited has been commended for its laudable sustainable development initiatives.

FOR two years the price of oil has been dangerously volatile, seemingly defying the accepted rules of economics. First it rose by more than $80 a barrel, then fell rapidly by more than $100 before doubling to its current level of around $70. In that time, however, there has been no serious interruption of supply.