If I could be permitted to add one more quote from the latter article as it indicates its importance. The author, Alan Duncan is a leading member of the British Conservative Party and will likely (on opinion polls) be a senior member of the UK government after the next election (within two years).

The last decade has lulled us into a false sense of security. Instead of tilting at the Opec windmill, we should be weaning ourselves off fossil fuels, increasing efficiency, addressing fuel poverty and encouraging the science that will find an alternative to oil.

Shouting at Opec to turn on the taps is an expensive diversion that will merely delay our recognition of reality.

Alan Duncan MP is a former oil trader, and is shadow secretary for business