Delegates from Africa hope to highlight the continent's growing influence in the oil market as the World Petroleum Congress gets underway in Johannesburg.
South African Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks says the conference will give oil-rich African countries a chance to call on the industry to ensure their resources benefit the African people. She says discussions should focus on ways to ease Africa's poverty through sustainable economic growth.
Delegates to the talks are also expected to discuss oil prices, climate change and HIV/AIDS.
The Johannesburg meeting marks the first time in the Council's 72-year history that the group has held a congress in Africa. The Council has 62 member countries.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.
