Over the past two years, a new concept of peak oil has become popular. This time, the idea isn’t peak supply, it’s peak demand: The view that electric (EV) and autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) will soon erode demand for crude oil.
Whereas peak supply translated into a sharp rise in oil prices, peak demand implies a terminal decline in crude prices, a rapid erosion in the value of energy reserves worldwide and disastrous economic consequences for both energy companies and oil-dependent nations like Saudi Arabia.
Two decades ago, the idea of peak oil supply was flawed but contained a kernel of truth. Much the same can be said of the new fad of peak oil demand.
Over time, electric vehicles will gain in popularity, and the world will become less dependent on oil. However, the idea that fossil fuels are dying or that oil demand will enter a phase of terminal decline in the next 10 to 20 years is fantasy: Fossil fuels have decades of life ahead, and the transition is unlikely to result in a sudden erosion in the value of oil and gas reserves and energy-related stocks.
Our outlook for a gradual energy transition implies two major profit opportunities are at hand:
In this issue, we explore the macro implications of the intersection between peak oil demand and electric vehicles. Part two of these series, which will come out next week, will explore investment opportunities (and potential pitfalls) related to electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as government efforts to improve automobiles’ fuel efficiency.
Your complete guide to energy investing, from growth stocks to high-yielders.
In October 2012, renowned energy expert Elliott Gue launched the Energy & Income Advisor, a twice-monthly investment advisory that's dedicated to unearthing the most profitable opportunities in the sector, from growth stocks to high-yielding utilities, royalty trusts and master limited partnerships.
Elliott and Roger on Jun. 29, 2022
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Our take on more than 50 energy-related equities, from upstream to downstream and everything in between.
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Founder and Chief Analyst: Capitalist Times and Energy & Income Advisor
Founder and Chief Analyst: Capitalist Times and Energy & Income Advisor