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Russian Energy Ministry optimistic on possibility of oil output freeze

According to the minister, investments of 30 largest oil companies in the global economy in 2016 will fall to $338 bln

MOSCOW, April 12. /TASS/. The Russian Energy Ministry is optimistic about possibility of agreeing on "freezing" oil production at the meeting in Doha, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.

"I am optimistic," he said, answering a question about how he assesses the chances of reaching agreement on "freezing" oil production at the meeting in Doha.

Investments to fall

According to the minister, investments of 30 largest oil companies in the global economy in 2016 will fall to $338 bln.

"In 2013 - before the prices fell - the figure for 30 largest companies was $533 bln. Now, in 2016, we expect about $338 bln," he said.

Oil prices in 2017-2018 could reach $60-65 per barrel 

Novak expects oil prices in 2017-2018 to reach $60-65 per barrel.

"According to the forecast, in 2017-2018 oil prices could reach the level of $60-65 per barrel," Novak said.

Growth of oil consumption in next 10 years

Novak also said oil consumption growth in the next 10 years could increase by 10 mln barrels per day.

"In our opinion, growth of demand for oil will continue - about 1 mln barrels per day for the year. This means that, at least in the next 10 years, oil consumption will increase by 10 mln barrels a day," he said.

Production cost of shale oil to decline

the minister also pointed out that production cost of shale oil would decline.

"Reduction of production cost of shale oil, which will unfortunately go down, will be a price factor," he said.