NEW DELHI, April 12 (Reuters) - A majority of the OPEC and independent oil producers participating in a current deal to cut supply like the idea of a long-term producers' alliance, the energy minister of the United Arab Emirates said on Thursday.

NEW DELHI, April 12 (Reuters) - Essar Oil has settled about 2 billion euros ($2.5 billion) in dues to Iran to cover previous oil purchases and still owes the country about $616 million, Chief Executive B.

The global oil stocks surplus is close to evaporating, OPEC says.

LONDON/NEW DELHI, April 12 (Reuters) - The global oil stocks surplus is close to evaporating, OPEC said on Thursday, citing healthy energy demand and its own supply cuts while revising up its forecast for oil rig flanges gulf coast production from rivals who have benefited from higher oil prices.

NEW YORK, April 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday, remaining close to highs last reached in late 2014 on tensions over Syria and shrinking global oil inventories.

Frances Morris-Jones has been confirmed as the interim chair of the UK’s Oil and Gas Authority (OGA).

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) appointed the interim chair to serve for the next 12 months, until March 31, 2019, while a competition takes place to recruit a permanent successor.