International trade of energy resources on the eve of 2018

Abstract

The present market of energy resources, notably oil, is bearing upon a pressure of many multidirected factors, and since mid-2014 the oil prices have been having falling with the overproduction. The growth rate of consumption of oil and gas decreased to 0,5% in 2016. Following their «America - First» slogan and stepping up their production the United States have intensified their destructive influence on the market. Тhe article reviews the trends in production and consumption of the main fuels against a backdrop of exporters’ enhanced efforts to balance the market. The agreement reached in December 2016 has not secured a rapid take off of prices, but has granted their consolidation on 2015 (pre-drop) level - over $52. By mid-January 2018 the oil price has come close to the level of 70 dollars. The article also contains statistics on balances of energy in respect of oil, gas, coal, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, renewable energy and also net-exports and net-imports.