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10/15/14

EU-Economy: Falling Oil Prices Could Add € 63bn to EU Economy and damage Russian energy based economy

Falling oil prices could result in a saving of up to € 63 ($80bn £50bn,) for the European Union, delivering a welcome boon to the floundering economic bloc.

Research from Reuters shows that oil prices have fallen to below $85 per barrel for the first time since June 2010. The figures show that the EU forked out some $500bn on oil, natural gas and thermal coal imports in 2013 and that around 75% of that figure was spent on oil.

If the low prices hold, it could result in a saving of $25bn this year and $80bn in 2015, compared to 2013's outgoings.

While the EU – which produces little of its own fuel – would benefit from the falling prices, the likes of Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia are set to suffer as a result.

The Economist reports that the oil price breakeven level is $90 per barrel for Libya, Russia and Saudi Arabia – three economies which are heavily reliant on oil exports.

Russia is already in line to suffer from worsening relations with the EU, which imports a huge amount of its crude. Even after negotiating large energy deals with China this year, a fall in price of such scale could have a dramatic effect on an industry which provides 45% of its GDP.

Read more: Falling Oil Prices Could Add $80bn to EU Economy

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