Before the World Petroleum Congress in Doha, Qatar the newspaper Gulf Times wrote in an article that, "A highlight is the keynote speech that will be delivered by Total's President and CEO, Christophe de Margerie on the theme: "Peak oil - ahead of us or behind us?" on December 7". The fact that Peak Oil is the theme for one of the seven main presentations at the congress shows that Peak Oil is now an important topic of discussion in the international and national oil industries. Earlier, Total had indicated that they believed Peak Oil could occur before 2030 so it was with some suspense that we awaited the message from Total and their managing director de Margarie.

A discussion on Peak Oil at the World Petroleum Congress? WE'VE WON. All the other talk about technology is just a way for the oil companies to let themselves and others down lightly. Over the next decade, the near-certainty is that general acceptance of depleting oil production will grow. The big break-through has been made. The fat lady has sung!