This is OPEC's official statistical bulletin. Table 9 is the most interesting, in that during the mid 1980s all the OPEC countries reserves suddenly shot up. Table 7 is also interesting, because it bellies the common conception that OPEC countries are getting absurdly wealthy on oil profits.
Analysts at the Oil Drum have declared that Ghawar oil field in Saudi Arabia, the largest field in the world, has reached its peak. They claim that Saudi oil production is down 8% from 2005, a signal that indicates Ghawar is empty.
This article discusses Shell's problems with producing oil in Nigeria. Due to recent instability, production has dropped by 500,000 barrels per day, about half of Shell's normal production. Millitant groups in the region have also made a nice side business out of kidnapping foreign workers.
