The second Arab Petroleum Congress began at the unesco building in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct 17. After an opening speech from Lebanese Acting Premier Nassim Majdalani, a leading Arab League oil expert - Secretary General of the Congress and Director of the League's Petroleum Bureau Mohammed Salman - criticised oil companies for making price changes before consulting the governments of producing countries. Prior consultation had been called for at the first Petroleum Congress, in view of the effect on Arab Government revenues of price changes.

While acknowledging the part the oil companies were playing in increasing the wealth of the Arab world he called on them to show more understanding of the position of the Arab peoples and their expectations of a higher standard of living.

Observers and representatives of many countries - including USA, USSR, and UK - were present, besides those from Arab states and other oil producing countries.