In an interview with Shana, Mohammad Ali Khatibi said here on Sunday despite economic crisis and reducing demand, oil prices averaged 61 dollars per barrel last year. He said while world oil demand declined in 2009 by 1/5 to 2 million barrels per day, it is envisaged to increase in 2010 and soaring prices follow it.
Stating that it is predicted world oil demand to increase by 1 to 1/4 mb/d in 2010, Khatibi added: based on projections, oil prices will rise in the second half of 2010 and go beyond the previous year average. He went on to say in worst-case scenario, in which world oil demand would not change, the average price for crude assumed to be at 60 dollars.
According to Iran's OPEC governor remarks, in addition to considering supply and demand balance, the price of oil in other oil exporting countries budgets are reviewed and based on a scientific study, too high and too low considerations are not included in the calculations as a basis for determining the price of oil in the budget.
He noted majority of the oil exporting countries have considered oil price in their budgets based on a range from 50 to 60 dollars, which means oil price in the budget for 1389 drive from proficiency.