Lakdasa Wijetilleke
Published: 1984
Total Pages: 344
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The oil refining industry is a critical link in the energy chain in many developing and industrialized countries, transforming crude oil into transport fuels, residual fuel oil, and other products such as kerosene, used in developing countries for lighting and cooking. The present report reviews the physical structure and process configuration of the world refining industry in the mid-1980s. It analyzes the factors influencing demand for petroleum derivatives and forecasts future demand patterns on a regional basis through 1995. Based on this analysis and on the potential for interregional trade in petroleum products, estimates are made of future regional investment requirements in additional conversion capacity, improved energy efficiency, rehabilitation and related areas. The implications of changes in the institutional framework of the industry are also discussed, specifically the expansion in the role of publicly-owned national oil companies relative to the private multinationals. Policy issues examined include the pricing of petroleum products, the frequent need for corporate, financial and managerial restructuring in the public sector and the potential future role of private capital.
