Ferguson 'an effective blowtorch', says Caltex boss
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Martin Ferguson did not publicly ask OPEC to increase oil production. (ABC News: file photo)
The head of Caltex has defended the Federal Government's efforts to address the problem of rising oil prices at an oil summit in Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had threatened to apply "a blowtorch" to OPEC over oil production.
He sent Energy Minister Martin Ferguson to address the emergency meeting of OPEC members in Jeddah at the weekend.
But Mr Ferguson did not publicly ask for an increase in oil production to help boost supply.
However Caltex chief Des King has defended the Minister, saying Mr Ferguson may have made his case behind closed doors.
"I met with [Mr Ferguson] personally many times, and he can be a very effective blowtorch," he said.
"I don't know what his personal conversations were with the various ministers but he can be very effective in that role, I can assure you."
Mr King he has rejected criticism the meeting was a waste of time.
"I think sending Martin Ferguson to that meeting was a very important step for Australia to have a seat at the table," he said.
"[At] lots of those meetings there's lots of closed door discussions and having dealt with the minister I'm sure he was very forceful in some of his discussions.
"I don't know the details but he's a very effective minister."
Mr King says people need to be more energy efficient to help reduce demand.
