OPEC members seek replacement for secretary general
Tensions look set to be raised at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) after it was revealed that several countries have approached a potential replacement for the current secretary general well in advance of his leaving date.
Three countries have reportedly requested the organisation's former president Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah to takeover the position when Abdullah Salem el-Badri leaves at the end of this year.
Badri, who is also the energy minister of Qatar, is believed to have declined the role, according to the Sunday Times.
Attiyah saw his position renewed in November after Opec was unable to secure a replacement.
Conflict has arisen within the group as major oil producer Saudi Arabia battles to win back its share of the market from US shale.
Oil prices had suffered a huge slump in recent months, which has had a damaging affect on poorer countries.