Quote from Pekelo:
The Saudis and every big oilcompany is basicly playing for TIME, they want the cat out of the bag as late as it can be.
First of all, the big Western oil companies definitely aren't playing for time. They are taking out full page ads left and right saying "the age of easy oil is over," "Beyond Petroleum" etc. Could be many reasons for this, but they certainly aren't being coy with their opinions.
Exxon is an exception, but based on their investment decisions (not investing in alternative energies or oil products over $20/bbl costs), it doesn't seem like they are "playing for time." Instead, it's quite likely that Lee Raymond and his disciples simply do not believe that high oil prices are here to stay.
As for the Saudis, that's my question, why are they playing for time? After all, playing for time means more time to sell oil for less than it's worth.
Incidentally, I mean "theoildrum.com geeks" with all due respect. I'm a big geek myself and I don't mean any harm by that term. I do think it is accurate though!
Martin