31 July 2008 - The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) today released a new publication in its energy information series.

Oil: An Introduction for New Zealanders has been written by Ralph D Samuelson PhD, Chief Advisor - Energy Modelling at MED.

This publication is intended for anyone with an interest in oil, and energy sources generally. It is wide-ranging and designed for easy reading. Topics covered include:

Oil production and refining technology Uncertainties surrounding statistics on world oil reserves and resources Alternatives to oil for the future Management of New Zealand's oil resources The structure and regulation of our oil industry The relationship of oil to financial markets The economics of exhaustible resources New Zealand's involvement with international efforts to promote oil security.

Oil: An Introduction for New Zealanders is the latest addition to a suite of energy-related publications produced by MED. It is available in hard copy for $30 (including GST) or may be downloaded free of charge by going to http://www.med.govt.nz/energy/oilintro/. MED also provides up-to-date information via its Energy Data web pages at www.med.govt.nz/energy/data/.