Uncertain energy policy is number one risk to oil and gas companies
• Risk of price volatility falls
• Risk of new operational challenges is new entrant London, 20 October 2010 — According to the Ernst & Young Oil and Gas Business Risk Report 2010, uncertain energy policy has replaced access to reserves as the top risk facing the industry across the globe in 2010.
Uncertainties in the direction of energy policy have been prolonged, by the vague outcome of the Copenhagen climate conference in December 2009 and the inability of the US to adopt a clear energy policy. The Gulf of Mexico spill has also further complicated policy decisions internationally. The absence of clarity around regulatory and legislative changes is creating an uncertain framework for long-term investments in the industry.
Dale Nijoka, Global Oil and Gas Leader for Ernst & Young, says: “Events this year have further exacerbated what was an already uncertain regulatory outlook. Companies need to be proactive, creating broad-based initiatives for compliance, including new reporting structures, to meet anticipated regulatory changes.”
Ensuring sufficient access to oil and gas reserves at a reasonable cost, considered the top risk in 2009, will remain a significant challenge. Many of these reserves are located in difficult environments with high exploration and production costs, increasing the risk of making new investments.
Dale Nijoka comments: “Companies can improve access to reserves by increasing joint ventures globally and re-evaluating the viability of current operations. Companies can also strengthen alliances and partnerships with national oil companies, to help mitigate the risk of losing access to key reserves in the event of increased prices or political disturbances.”
The biggest change in the top 10 is the risk of price volatility – down to six in 2010 from number three in 2009. Oil prices in 2010 have been relatively stable due to modest consumption habits and weak developed economies easing demand pressures. However, natural gas prices are currently low as a result of oversupply.
A new entrant to the top 10 is the risk of new operational challenges, including unfamiliar environments. These challenges have grown significantly over the past year, due mainly on the increased focus on exploration and production in challenging environments such as the Arctic region and deepwater areas.
-ends-
Top 10 risks for oil and gas 2010. Ranking from 2009 in brackets:
Uncertain energy policy (2)
Access to reserves: political constraints and competition for proven reserves (1)
Cost containment (4)
Worsening fiscal terms (5)
Climate and environmental concerns (7)
Price volatility (3)
Human capital deficit (6)
Supply shocks (9)
Overlapping service offerings for IOCs and oilfield service companies (8)
New operational challenges, including unfamiliar environments (new)
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