Major oil groups' results deteriorate. - The majority of major oil groups have announced deteriorating results in the third quarter of the year due to fall in profits from their refinery activities. Sector leader, ExxonMobil, subsequently saw its net profits fall by 18% over this period to $7.9 billion (down 18% on the third quarter last year). Chevron's profits were down by $5.2 billion to$ 4.9 billion, a fall of -5.8%. Market sector leaders in Europe experienced a similar situation: Shell's net profits fell by $7.2 billion to $4.7 billion, a 35% fall, BP's fell by $5 billion to $3.7 billion, a 28% fall and profits for Total fell from $3.8 billion to %3.6 billion. Forecasts for exploration and production are better and hydrocarbon extraction grew for the first time for ExxonMobil since the second quarter of 2011 with the equivalent of 4 million barrels a day coming online (+1.5%) and Total announced a rise for the second consecutive quarter of 1%. Chevron's international production slightly increased to 2.59 million barrels a day, compared to 2.52 million a year ago. There are many disparities affecting the oil groups and ENI, which has strong roots in Libya, has suffered from the instability in the region and recorded a 3.8% fall in production over the past three months. Total was also affected by this instability but to a lesser extent. (IL/transl.fl)