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Equatorial Guinea guns for OPEC seat

Equatorial Guinea guns for OPEC seat

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea – The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang announced that it has submitted its interest to join the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2017.

Obiang is spearheading efforts for the third largest oil and gas producer in sub-Saharan Africa to become a member of world’s largest organization of oil producers.

The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea joined 10 non-cartel members to cut 558,000 barrels per day of oil production through 2017. With 32.5 million barrels per day of output projected this year, OPEC is the world’s largest organization of oil producers.

The Minister’s trip to Vienna follows the Fourth Africa-Arab Summit, which hosted last November several OPEC members in Malabo, under the patronage of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

For decades, Equatorial Guinea has achieved a sterling track record as a dependable supplier of petroleum to consumers in all corners of the world. We firmly believe that Equatorial Guinea’s interests are fully aligned with those of OPEC in serving the best interests of the industry, Africa and the global economy,” the Minister said.

Even through a two-year sustained slump in oil prices, Equatorial Guinea has maintained liquid output levels at a competitive level.

There is a consensus amongst producers that an oversupply of oil has been dragging down the price of the barrel. Equatorial Guinea is doing its part to ensure stability in the market and that the industry continues to invest in exploring and developing our resources,” he said.

According to Obiang, its $10.6 billion of annual oil and gas exports account for 95% of the country’s total exports, with shipments sold every day to China, India, Japan, Korea and many other countries.

The country has remained committed to investing in the entire energy supply chain through landmark projects such as the Bioko Oil Terminal, the Fortuna Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project, the Riaba Fertilizers plant, compressed natural gas and LNG.

Equatorial Guinea is currently hosting its latest oil and gas licensing round, EG Ronda, putting on offer all of open acreage not currently operated or under direct negotiation. Equatorial Guinea has made 114 oil and gas discoveries to date with a drilling success rate of 42%.

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SADC Correspondent

SADC correspondents are independent contributors whose work covers regional issues of southern Africa outside the immediate Namibian ambit. Ed.