NOCs spread their wings

With the global energy economy set to remain overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, concern is mounting over access to reserves, particularly of oil and gas. These concerns are fuelled by the resurgence of ‘resource nationalism’ as national oil companies (NOCs), holders of most such reserves, challenge the positions of international oil companies (IOCs), upstream and downstream. The issues raised are crucial to consuming regions increasingly dependent on imports - such as Europe.