Nigeria's oil reserves could dry up in the next 50 years, according to energy officials for Africa's largest oil producer, citing a downward trend in production over the last five years. Many attribute the decline to ongoing violence, not depleted resources.

Iraqi oil exports have declined four months in a row, according to data released by the nation's Oil Ministry, which is optimistic it can reverse the trend.

U.S. markets take off after holiday break ... British suspend some home-buyer taxes ... Gustav reminds U.S. of oil vulnerabilities ... Google jumps into browser war ... News from United Press International.

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Hurricane Gustav's rampage through the Gulf of Mexico was a stark reminder that U.S. oil supplies are vulnerable to major storms, analysts said.

Increased violence has caused Nigerian oil output to decline by 650,000 barrels per day, according to the West African country's vice president.

India and China have decided to help Nigeria build new refineries rather that continue to buy crude oil for export from the petroleum-rich West African nation.

WASHINGTON, March 18 (UPI) -- With the plummeting dollar, geopolitical uncertainty and investor speculation all being blamed for soaring oil prices, it is unclear whether U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's efforts to persuade Saudi Arabia to increase oil production will result in cheaper oil.

As oil prices skyrocket, some policymakers want to halt efforts to increase the nation's emergency oil reserve, but the administration says energy security depends on the stockpile's size.

Nigerian Vice President Jonathan Goodluck shocked his colleagues and countrymen this week when he referred to his country's oil wealth as an economic curse to his country over the last 50 years.

THE DALLES, Ore., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A few months after the release of a prominent energy report, some experts say its recommendations possess minimal potential for solving the world's energy woes, while others wish Congress would adopt its comprehensive approach.