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How much of the world's oil will be pumped depends on price and technology. With prices high, more oil will be pursued.

There is a view known as the "peak oil" theory that suggests production -now 87 million barrels a day -already is at its maximum and is beginning a permanent decline. Others say that point is still 20 or 30 years away and may be extended further by high prices and new technology.

What about the formation of additional petroleum within the Earth? Don't hold your breath. It's an excruciatingly slow process -so slow it doesn't even enter into the equation of how much oil is available for human consumption.

H. Josef Hebert

AP Energy Writer, Washington

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