Publisher's Note

Welcome to the 2006 Global Energy Outlook issue of Platts Insight. Last year, our inaugural Global Energy Outlook issue was a fantastic success, reaching more than 30,000 industry executives around the globe. This year's issue again gives you critical insight from the industry's most trusted information source.

The 2006 Global Energy Outlook captures timely perspectives on six vital energy sectors—coal, gas, oil, petrochemicals, electric, and renewables—from Platts' distinguished editorial staff worldwide, giving you a clear understanding of industry trends that will take us into 2006 and beyond. In addition, you will find two intriguing articles on emerging markets in China and Russia.

We are very excited about the newest addition to this annual special issue, "Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings." This story ranks the world's top energy companies by financial performance, identifies who's up and who's down this year, and provides a breakdown of the Top 250 by industry and region.

And don't miss the inside story on the 7th Annual Platts Global Energy Awards. Though our distinguished panel of judges consider the nominees' financial performance, they go beyond that metric to look much deeper at a company's customer focus, community involvement, integrity, and leadership before bestowing one of these prestigious awards.

We'll be publishing additional issues of Insight throughout the new year in conjunction with other major events. If you'd like to learn more about our 2006 issues, visit our web site at www.events.platts.com.

Patsy Wurster

Publisher, Platts Insight

Patsy Wurster