Brief Introduction Of Oil And Gas Investment Opportunities

By Stacey Burt


A few years after the year 2000, there was a general rise in the cost per unit of gas and oil due to the increased reliance of a major source of energy. Oil and gas investment became very attractive among such opportunities with petroleum investments among the most attractive opportunities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries estimated that in 2008 the energy requirements raised oil demands to between 86 and 87 million barrels per day.

An investor looking for tax exempt direct exposure to the industry should consider an oil and gas unit investment trust. This would involve investing in either the production or the purchase of exploratory drilling assets and machineries. This usually provides a pass through treatment from petroleum investments and incomes. Mutual funds and future contracts are the most common investments in the oil industry.

Several options exist for investors eyeing this promising industry and one of the simplest opportunities is investing in the stock of oil and drilling companies. The energy sector is said to have something for every individual as big investors can invest in exchange-traded fund commonly referred to as the ETF's and by this investors make direct investments on oil futures contracts. Just like any other investments, oil investors are advised to conduct an in-depth research or seek the services of energy investments professional before embarking in this kind of venture.

Oil and gas are now the world's foremost sources of energy ensuring the industries are a major force in the world's economy. A perfect example of these multi-purpose sources of energy is petroleum as it has many uses from providing lubrication to machinery, to being a component in the manufacturing of plastics.

During exploration, companies lease or buy land in known areas near, or containing, proven energy resources to improve their chance at profit realization This process still carries an element of risk as striking oil cannot be guaranteed by the existence of other resources alone. Further support and services are needed such as transportation, pipeline providers, shipping, logistics, equipment manufacturers, refiners and rigging.

Historically the oil industry has played the role of a diversifier in the economy as when oil and gas prices rose, the economy would generally be slow. Investors in the energy industry are cautioned of this trend. Also, large profits are realized which can even amount to 10 times the initial capital invested. The sector also enjoys many tax advantages as most tax is invisible to a shareholder who buys shares from a public traded stock.

When oil or gas is not found during drilling, huge losses can be suffered by investors due to the volatility of these sectors. Shares in smaller companies are harder to liquidate and usually require direct contact with the company. The use of a broker can incur commissions of more than 20% of liquidation funds received.

Another risk factor includes human involvement. Several factors in the professional ability of the operator must be questioned prior to drilling. Mechanical risks are paramount in the search for oil and gas and play a major role in profit realization. A reserve risk is needed to counteract the well control and the seismic evaluation. Lastly, the commodity price risk must be considered and planned for.




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