From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report.
World oil prices have dropped by about 30 percent since June. That has helped many economies around the world. Increased American oil production is one reason for the drop in world oil prices.Jim Krane is an energy expert at the James Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.
Mr. Krane says slowing economies in China and Europe have also reduced the demand for oil.
In the past, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries would react to decreasing demand by cutting production. The twelve member states often cooperate to influence oil prices around the world. However, Jim Krane says members want to defend their share of the market and are unwilling to make production cuts.
However, this could affect small oil producing companies in the U.S. These companies feel the effects of falling prices more sharply on their profit margin.U.S. companies are not alone in feeling pressure from falling prices. Oil makes up 83 percent of Nigeria’s exports and 70 percent of the nation’s economy.
Finance minister recently announced measures the government would take to increase income. These include new taxes on costly goods and a six percent cut in government spending.India is increasingly dependent on oil imports. Lower oil prices have helped ease high inflation, The government also has moved to cut back fuel price supports, or subsidies. The move has not affected the price people pay for fuel because of the sharp decrease in oil prices.
In places like Houston, Texas, the oil industry is a major EMPLOYER and economic driver. Economist Patrick Jankowski says lower oil prices have a clear dollar cost.
However, Mr. Jankowski believes the over-supply will slowly disappear.He says decreasing prices may make energy company leaders nervous, but most are prepared for it.