OPEC 51 towards higher fuel efficiency would be slowed down and an effort made by the energy companies to increase the energy consumption of the average European and American household. Big gas-guzzling cars from Detroit might yet make a reappearance and the energy consciousness of the West temporarily shelved till yet another crisis from the supply side. In any case, the interests of the energy companies and that of the rich oil exporters both lie in the upturn of oil demand at the currently ruling spot prices—maybe a dollar or two off per barrel. Under these circumstances, the possibility of OPEC reunification and joint price control appears to be remote. s.c.