/IRBIS, Feb.4, 00/ - PRIME-TASS informs, with the reference to the specialists of the World bank, that oil prices will drop to $20 per barrel this year from current $30 per barrel.

OPEC plans to meet on March 27 to discuss possible prolongation the limitations on oil production. The oil prices soared after the decision of OPEC, made in February 1999, to limit the sales of oil. In December of 1998 the price was about $11 per barrel.

"The market needs more oil, and if demand will not be satisfied the prices will keep rising, - says the energy expert at the World bank Shayen Straightfield, We believe a decision will be made to increase the production during the March meeting".

ITAR-TASS informs on Thursday barrel of oil was at more than $28 on New- York commodity exchange.