Some analysts and investors worry that oil companies will not spend enough either to sustain growth in their core businesses, or to open options in alternative energy sources for a world in which oil and gas consumption is constrained by climate policy or high prices.

OIL PRICES WTI, BRENT,1990 - 2014

France’s Total on Monday said its joint venture with Russia’s Lukoil , to explore shale oil in western Siberia , had ground to a halt as a result of western sanctions.

MARKETS: BoA says Saudi Arabia could be pushing for sustained weak crude oil prices

Weakening global demand and increased Libyan oil exports contributed to a drop in the North Sea Brent crude oil spot price to an average of $102 per barrel (bbl) in August, $5/bbl lower than the July average and $10/bbl below the average in June.

Saudi Arabia cuts October crude prices

Oil prices drive projected enhanced oil recovery using carbon dioxide

The Real Problem of Shale Gas in Europe: Financing

Statoil banks on gas market rebound after second-quarter profit miss

OPEC published Monthly Oil Market Report July 2014

Gazprom to charge China same price for natural gas that Germany was paying

Oil Heads for Second Weekly Drop as Supply Concerns Fade

Despite Saudi pledge, another big oil outage would strain supply

Huge Russia-China gas deal still leaves door open to Japan