Saudi says OPEC output cuts unlikely

OPEC is unlikely to agree to a new round of oil output cuts when it meets Thursday in Vienna, the oil minister of Saudi Arabia, the group's most influential member, said Wednesday. The group will "stay the course" and maintain current production levels, Ali al Naimi told reporters in the Austrian capital. Mr al Naimi's remarks carry particular weight in the group since the kingdom is the largest oil producer. His comments follow predictions by several members that output levels will remain unchanged as oil prices appear to be recovering.

Falah Alamri, Iraq's OPEC representative, told Dow Jones yesterday there were "no excuses to change current production levels". "Prices are comfortable and don't add pressure on ministers to change output," he said. Top officials in Algeria and Kuwait have also spoken against a new cut in the group's production. Oil prices have rebounded by more than 25 per cent since OPEC last met on March 15. OPEC pledged in December to take a total of 4.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil off the world market from Sept 1 production levels, a move that was widely credited with fuelling this spring's rally.

Some analysts, however, have warned that the price jump is not supported by fundamentals, as the amount of oil in storage remains high and a recovery in the world economy, which would pump up oil demand, appears distant. Iran's OPEC representative, Mohammed Ali Khatibi, told Dow Jones on Sunday that the group should cut output to reduce the amount of oil in storage. "As an expert, if you find the market is oversupplied, the solution is very clear," he said.

Mr al Naimi indicated he was satisfied with the group's commitment to the output reductions. "Always we will wish for better compliance, but the compliance is good anyway," he told Bloomberg. * with agencies cstanton@thenational.ae

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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”