Big Oil Executives Converge in Houston to Discuss Profits, Deals Amid High Prices

• Top executives gather in Houston for major energy conference amid high oil prices and profits • Mergers and acquisitions creating bigger "Big Oil"; climate change concerns reflected in carbon sequestration sessions
• Absent this year are top ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Russia due to Ramadan • Natural gas overwhelmed by production glut currently, but expected to transition to bullish market • Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Exxon deals will turn trio into largest shale producers, steadying boom-bust cycles