Talks can calm crude prices, says expert.

(From Gulf News)

Byline: Stanley Carvalho, Staff Reporter

Though the current volatility in crude prices is likely to continue, market stability can still be achieved through a dialogue between producers and consumers, said an oil expert.

Several factors have combined to push crude prices high over the past two years, mainly growing energy demand, a weak dollar and speculation, according to Dr Ali Hussain, and oil consultant and former Opec official.

"The main factor behind the increase in oil prices during the last two years has been the rapid increase in the growth of the global economy at about four per cent annually especially in the …