Strategies at Exxon

Exxon's higher earnings in 1983 came despite the continuation of a three‐year decline in oil demand. Now, however, a turnaround in oil demand appears to have taken place. In the first quarter of this year, the quantity of Exxon's product sales increased 4 percent in the United States and 6 percent abroad. While volume growth at these rates is more than can reasonably be expected for the full year, given the continuing incentives for energy conservation, it is a welcome indication of the strength of the economic recovery that is spreading around the world. More significant than increased demand, however, are the steps Exxon has taken to improve company operations and to increase its resource base.