It makes interesting reading to learn that the price of crude oil according to Mr Claude Mandil, executive director of the International Energy Agency, is declining.

The IFP spokesperson on Minerals and Energy, Mr Eric Lucas MP, said he is certain that everyone will be pleased if there is no further increase in crude during December 2004.

“We also hope that the demand for crude will grow and thereby influence the crude oil price to fall further to a more realistic price which is approximately 27 – 30 dollars a barrel. The major problem with the oil price is that it affects all commodities.

“Unfortunately, these prices are internationally controlled and it is only until we can find crude locally that we could survive the high prices of crude oil.