The national oil companies (NOCs) dominate the crude oil industry in the exploration and production (E&P) sector. Out of the top 10 E&P companies in terms of production in 2008, seven were NOCs. The NOCs have an even stronger hold over the overall crude oil reserves. Of the top 10 companies in the world in terms of crude oil reserves in 2008, nine were NOCs. The NOCs are also trying to increase their presence across the value chain. In the refining sector, as of 2008, two out of the top five refining companies were NOC's, with China's Sinopec climbing up to the position of second largest refiner in the world replacing the world major Royal Dutch Shell. It is expected that by 2015, six of the top 10 refiners in the world will be NOCs. In the crude oil storage industry, larger investments are expected to come from national oil companies during 2008-15, especially the Chinese national oil companies. However, in the crude oil pipeline industry, private players will continue to dominate the overall industry. The global crude oil industry has been hit by the global economic slowdown. The slowing demand, low crude oil prices and tight credit market have posed serious challenges to the industry. The low global demand and unavailability of credit have led to the delay of many major projects across the crude oil value chain. The worst hit has been the Canadian oil sands industry. With the falling of crude oil prices to as low as $35 a barrel, the oil sands projects were rendered uneconomical. The situation caused the suspension of many major oil sands projects. Globally approximately 69 major E&P projects were either delayed, suspended or canceled altogether of which 23 projects were Canadian oil sands projects. However, with the crude oil prices reviving the situation is expected to ease. In addition to this, the current crisis has also forced almost all major international oil companies to cut down on their capital expenditure (Capex). As a result of the current economic slowdown, the majority of companies are formulating their capital budgets more realistically in line with their internal cash flows. For example, Canadian Natural Resources has reduced its Capex from $6.4 billion in 2008 to $2.7 billion in 2009, reduced by approximately 57.8 percent. BP reduced its Capex from $22 billion in 2008 to $19 billion in 2009, a reduction of 13.6 percent. With huge heavy oil reserves in Venezuela and huge oil and gas discoveries in Brazil, the Latin American countries are expected to play a major role in supplying the crude oil needs of the world in future years. The region has been one of the active areas in terms of new oil and gas discoveries which make it one of the most prospective regions for the future. The Latin American countries led the other regions in terms of significant discoveries in 2008. The region witnessed six major oil and gas discoveries last year with five major discoveries in Brazil and one in Peru. With major discoveries in 2008 and huge resources, the region is expected to be one of the major sought after locations for future investments. The Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa regions will drive the growth of refining capacity during 2008
