Monday, January 5, 2015

Brief Introduction Of Oil And Gas Investment Opportunities

By Stacey Burt


A few years after the year 2000, there was a general rise in the cost per unit of gas and oil due to the increased reliance of a major source of energy. Oil and gas investment became very attractive among such opportunities with petroleum investments among the most attractive opportunities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries estimated that in 2008 the energy requirements raised oil demands to between 86 and 87 million barrels per day.

There is an opportunity for any investor to get into the industry without any tax requirements on any units they invest. The investment opportunities range from oil exploration to mining machinery. It is nowadays not very uncommon to find gas or oil investments providing a leeway from any challenges along the way. Shared finances and any future contracts are typical investments in this industry.

Several options exist for investors eyeing this promising industry and one of the simplest opportunities is investing in the stock of oil and drilling companies. The energy sector is said to have something for every individual as big investors can invest in exchange-traded fund commonly referred to as the ETF's and by this investors make direct investments on oil futures contracts. Just like any other investments, oil investors are advised to conduct an in-depth research or seek the services of energy investments professional before embarking in this kind of venture.

Oil and gas are now the world's foremost sources of energy ensuring the industries are a major force in the world's economy. A perfect example of these multi-purpose sources of energy is petroleum as it has many uses from providing lubrication to machinery, to being a component in the manufacturing of plastics.

During exploration, companies lease or buy land in known areas near, or containing, proven energy resources to improve their chance at profit realization This process still carries an element of risk as striking oil cannot be guaranteed by the existence of other resources alone. Further support and services are needed such as transportation, pipeline providers, shipping, logistics, equipment manufacturers, refiners and rigging.

Throughout the history of this lucrative industry, oil price rises have had the consequences of either stagnating or sinking an economy. The profits in this industry therefore are also subject to the same treatment, and investors are educated to be prepared for the same consequences in case of a fluctuation. The good news is that, there is always the likelihood that prices are mostly skyrocketing than diving and the profits can even take multiples of 10 within no time.

In the event that the drilling does not strike oil or gas, huge losses can be realized due to the volatility of the industry and this is where diversification comes in. Shares especially of smaller companies are hard to liquidate and one has to redeem interest with your company or other limited partner which is usually direct. Higher commissions are also paid to brokers which can sometimes exceed 20%.

Another risk includes people risk. The professional ability of the explorer cannot be underestimated as the experience of the operator plays a key role in profit realization. There are mechanical risks, as the actual oil and gas exploration involve a lot of activities hence all the mechanical questions must be answered prior to the actual drilling. The reserve risk takes into consideration the well control and the seismic evaluation of the well. Finally, the commodity price risk must be catered for.




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