Thanks, John, a very rational analysis. I have suggested a long time ago that crude should bear a variable tax bringing it to an average of $30 to $35/barrel. At that price a good incentive for exploiting Canadian shales which are,m as far as I understand quite plentiful, will be in place and the capital to build facilities will be plenty, if that minimal price can be assured. That is, IMTO, a major reason the Saudi do not want oil to be around $30 for too long. We got to do it ourselves. One of the rare cases where I think that taxation should be used to create energy independence. Since that adjustment to $30/barrel has already been made, now would be a perfect time...
Zeev