[Brilliant]

You might think that. On the other hand, look at the vast investment that the US auto companies made. Now, they are on the verge of bankruptcy.

I have no doubt that the oil companies will make a profit on their investment. That doesn't mean the price of oil wil not go up, though. In fact, it might be a sign that they expect the price WILL go up.

[Alberta's Child]

U.S. auto manufacturers are on the verge of bankruptcy for reasons that have nothing to do with the value of their "investments." In fact, U.S. auto companies are going broke specifically because they are forced to continually "invest" in people who haven't been productive assets to the company in years.

It's basically the equivalent of an oil company that shuts down major drilling rigs but still insists on keeping them in tip-top shape long after they cease to function. You can be sure that company is going to go broke some time down the road.