Beyond Market Assumptions: Oil Price as a Global Institution

This book defines oil price as a social institution that exists beyond supply-demand mechanisms. Discussing oil markets in the context of the broader sociology of prices, it covers a number of theoretical and practical dimensions, such as new market uncertainties and trends, and social perceptions of energy security and of power. Further, based on case studies it explores the implications for OPEC, Russia, and Central and Eastern Europe, as well as for the energy transition and for international investment arbitration. Featuring contributions from leading academics, researchers and business professionals, the book offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the oil price.“This book brings together an impressive team of scholars with fresh perspectives on the oil price. Even as the world attempts energy transition, oil consumption continues and the oil price is likely to become even more unpredictable and unclear than in the past. This book helps make sense of this challenging topic.”-Indra Overland is a Research Professor and Head of Centre for Energy Research, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)“A revealing and multidimensional analysis of oil price fluctuations in a market that seeks less uncertainty. This book discusses market and price evolution in the context of market theories, history and real-time market analysis. A welcome and timely contribution to our understanding of global energy markets.”Dr. Sara Vakhshouri is Founder and President of SVB Energy International and Professor of Energy Security at the Institute of World Politics.

Andrei Belyi, editor of the volume, is an Adjunct Professor in Energy Law and Policy at the University of Eastern Finland. He directs consultancy activities via Balesene OU, a firm based in Estonia and specialised in energy markets and technologies. Andrei Belyi has an extensive research experience in hydrocarbon markets and he has advised oil firms, governments and international organisations. His recent publications include a monograph ‘Transnational Gas Markets and Euro-Russian Energy Relations’ and a co-authored edited volume ‘States and Markets in Hydrocarbon Sectors’.