Brussels, 22/08/2000 (Agence Europe) - The spokesman's service of the European Commission has pointed out that Commissioner Loyola de Palacio called, on Monday, on the current Venezuelan presidency of the organisation for oil producing and exporting countries to encourage the OPEC members to show proof of moderation in order to bring the prices per barrel down to a reasonable level. It was specified that this approach was carried out in consultation with the US Energy Secretary Mr Richardson. During a telephone conversation with Venezuelan Energy Minister Ali Rodriguez, Ms de Palacio expressed the European Union's concern regarding the rise in the price of oil per barrel, currently above $31, and about the "accordeon effect" which is harmful not only for producer countries but also for buyers. She called on Mr Rodriguez to play a "moderating role" to come to a "more reasonable price", said the spokesperson, mentioning a price below $28.
EUROPE recalls that the European Commission had calculated economic forecasts for the year 2000 on the basis of $24.5 per barrel.