Oil dropped the most in more than five weeks in New York amid concern about Iraqi compliance with OPEC production cuts.

What lies ahead for our major sectors, and related regulatory landscape, in 2017?

The promise of production cuts from OPEC and its partners sent oil rallying in 2016. Now traders want proof they're delivering on those vows. It won't come easy.

Saudi Aramco has started talks with customers globally on possible cuts of up to 7 per cent in February crude loadings.

Evidence the earth saw a slowdown in global warming over the past couple of decades has been further eroded

Oil fell as the $US strengthened while doubts persisted about the ability of OPEC and its partners to balance the market.

We'll be driving more, using electric cars, along with more renewable energy - and nuclear energy over the next 25 years. But our addiction to coal will remain, while gas will emerge as our main source of energy.

• ANALYSIS

It has been the single most fraught issue in retailing over the past two decades – shopper docket fuel discounts.

Brent oil, the global benchmark, is headed for its first annual advance in four years on hopes for more

Oil prices dipped overnight after a surprise increase in US inventories eased optimism about the outlook for the global glut.

Crude oil prices edged up for a fourth consecutive session, close to their highest levels since mid-2015.

After pulling off the biggest oil-market deal in a decade, OPEC faces a new balancing act in 2017: boosting prices without igniting shale.

Baird government approves expansion of one of the biggest coal mines in Sydney's water catchment without knowing its impact.

After buying Kiwi independent fuel retailer Gull New Zealand, Caltex is expected to make more buys, with most attention focused on acquiring Mobil Oil NZ.

Oil prices are set to recover next year as OPEC fulfils its agreement to cut output, Saudi Arabia's energy minister said.

China's liquefied natural gas imports surged as the world's third-biggest buyer boosted shipments to offset winter demand.

One of the richest families in the country, the low-profile Rae family of Perth, has pocketed more than $300 million by selling out to Caltex Australia.

An innovative north Queensland renewable energy project, which will combine solar and hydro power technology, is a step closer to reality with preliminary construction beginning this week.

• Opinion

Oil traders are betting that storage tanks are expected to remain fairly full throughout the first six months of 2017.

The British government is set to agree to a deal to sell UK Green Investment Bank to Macquarie Group in early January, a source said.

The oil sector must brace for five "tsunamis" that may drag prices as low as $US10 a barrel, says Engie's research chief.

Extra government support to keep the struggling Portland aluminium smelter open will add to the $100 million-plus Victorians are already paying as an annual subsidy to Alcoa, the operator of the works.

Oil settled near $US52 a barrel as investors eyed the potential return of crude supply from Libya.

Local refiner and fuels supplier Viva Energy is eyeing a potentially large jet fuel supply deal with Sydney's planned new airport at Badgerys Creek.

Oil prices boosted by global output reductions will be capped because of new supply before long, according to Goldman Sachs.

US energy companies this week added oil rigs for a seventh week in a row, extending a seven-month drilling recovery.

Santos stock has slumped below the price of its latest $1.5 billion share placement, which came just a matter of months after the troubled oil and gas group appeared to signal it would not need to tap investors for more funds.

Strong sales of premium petrol products has helped oil refiner and distributor Caltex to raise its full year profit forecast, as it also benefits from the higher oil price lifting inventory values.

Oil advanced though prices could soon hit a ceiling until global production cuts are confirmed.