MOSCOW, October 31 (RIA Novosti) - Demand for oil may increase by 42% by 2015, the Russian energy and industry minister said Monday.
Speaking at a Russian Oil and Gas Week, Viktor Khristenko said that energy consumption was forecasted to increase by 33% in the next few years, and by 40% by 2020.
"Global demand for oil may go up by 35 million barrels (42%) a day, and natural gas by 1.7 trillion cu m (60%) a year," he said.
The minister also said that Russia was prepared to supply energy resources to consumer countries.
"Russia understands energy security depends on stable energy provision for all countries," he said.
Khristenko said energy security also required a number of measures, including reliable access to energy resources, the development of new energy sources and environmental security.
"In 2000-2004, Russia was the leader of oil production among the major producers of oil derivatives," the minister said.
