Abdalla Salem El-Badri Although the power of oil cartel OPEC may have diminished over the years, 2015 showed that it was still a force to be reckoned with. Under El-Badri’s guidance, the cartel’s policy of pumping no matter what the cost has seen oil prices drop to lows of below $30 a barrel compared to highs of more… Although the power of oil cartel OPEC may have diminished over the years, 2015 showed that it was still a force to be reckoned with. Under El-Badri’s guidance, the cartel’s policy of pumping no matter what the cost has seen oil prices drop to lows of below $30 a barrel compared to highs of more than $100 seen just a year and a half ago. The oil veteran was appointed secretary general of OPEC in 2007 after decades at state and international firms and appears set to keep the role for the foreseeable future. Disputes between members at the top of the organisation have repeatedly delayed the appointment of a successor. Secretary general, OPEC Origin:Libya Residence:Austria Sector:Energy