As burgeoning economies push the demand for oil to historic highs, some analysts say the world’s oil production is in the process of peaking. Believing that an oil crisis -and, thus, higher prices – is inevitable, some investors are seeing dollar signs in their future.
According to the International Energy Agency, 2004 world oil demand increased by a higher rate than any year since 1988. And if current trends continue, worldwide oil demand will exceed 120 million barrels per day, according to the Energy Information Administration.
As oil fields yield less oil to satisfy this demand, prices are predicted to keep climbing. Forward-looking investors who see an opportunity to profit from these high prices are entering drilling partnerships with oil and gas exploration companies in geographical areas known to have established oil fields. Such drills may result in commercially marketable oil being found, bringing an investor anything from modest monthly checks to great wealth.
Although it’s a risky investment, a good drilling partnership program may only have to hit one successful well to create a substantial profit. In addition, drilling...