Investments

Bank Of America Investment Tuesday, 11th April 2006
BBC

In the United Kingdom, nearly a third of its power generation depends on natural gas. In 15 years, the UK will be dependent on Russia for 90 percent of its imported gas. Japan is almost totally dependent on imported energy sources and is heavily invested in Iran's Azadegan oil field. China has major investments in Iran, importing 13.6 percent of its oil requirements from that nation and, overall, 45 percent of its oil imports from the Middle East. China is also investing in Canadian tar sands projects.

Investment Opportunity Crude oil prices have hit record levels in London amid heightening concerns of a conflict between the US and Iran.

PARIS, Jan 13, 2006 (AFP) Iran should be dealt with firmly by a united international community, Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini said Friday amid heightened tensions over Tehran's nuclear program. "The international community must react with a great deal of firmness and unity, " Fini said on Italian public television.

Banc Of America Investment A barrel of London's benchmark Brent crude climbed to $69.06, while in New York, light sweet crude was at $69.11.

VIENNA (Reuters) Iran, faced with likely Security Council debate next week over its nuclear programme, said on Wednesday it would have to review its oil export policy if world pressure mounted over its disputed atomic work. Asked whether Iran would use an "oil weapon" as the world's fourth largest crude oil exporter, Javad Vaeedi, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, "We will not (do so now), but if the situation changes, we will have to review our oil policies."

Banking Investment Analysts have warned that prices could climb higher as geopolitical tensions increase worries that oil supplies will not be able to keep up with demand.

Oil prices surged almost 3% on Monday, up $2.86 a barrel to US$109.09 amid supply concerns following a large refinery fire in Finland over the weekend.

Investment Solution Strategic Prices are close to the $70.85 record reached in the US in August following the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Iran's oil ministry on Wednesday fiercely denied reports it had offered oil to the United States as aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, asserting that US policies and sanctions made such a gesture impossible. "Moves by the United States to establish economic sanctions and other pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran are the main barriers to Iranian aid, " said Iran's envoy to the oil cartel OPEC, Ardebili.

Investment Banking Services 'Mere mention'

Bank Investment The current round of price surges has been sparked by speculation that the US may attack Iran over its plans to develop nuclear capabilities.

Alternative Investment Both the US and key ally the UK have denied the claims, though that has done little to calm fears.

Online Investment Services However, the European Union is considering what measures to take against Iran, including sanctions, should Iran continue with its nuclear policy.

Accompany Essential Investment Iran, the world's fourth largest oil producer, says it needs nuclear power to generate electricity, but the US and EU are concerned it wants to develop atomic weapons.

Investment Company Although the US reiterated on Monday that it was a seeking a diplomatic solution to the row, some investors fear Washington may be running out of patience with Tehran.

Investment Management Solution "Concern about Iran never ceases to push prices," said Gerard Burg of National Australia Bank. "The mere mention of it sends prices higher."

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