June 27, 2008 10:10amArticle from: Agence France-PresseTHE head...

June 27, 2008 10:10am
Article from: Agence France-Presse

THE head of Russian energy giant Gazprom said in an interview published today that OPEC has virtually no influence over global oil prices.

In an interview with the Financial Times Alexei Miller also made clear his aim to make Gazprom the "most influential'' company in the energy sector.

"Not a single decision has been passed of late that would really influence the global oil market,'' Mr Miller said, referring to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

He predicted a "great surge in oil and gas prices ... which will end with prices at a radically new level'', effectively reiterating comments he made earlier this month, when he predicted that the price of oil would likely hit 250 dollars a barrel, from its current level of around $US140.