DUBAI- Technical challenges could slow growth shale oil production in the next 12 to 18 months, the chief executive of Schlumberger NV, the world’s largest oilfield services provider, said on Tuesday.

Paal Kibsgaard, CEO, was speaking at an investment conference in Riyadh.

(Reporting by Andrew Torchia Writing by Davide Barbuscia Editing by David Goodman) ((Davide.Barbuscia@thomsonreuters.com; +971522604297; Reuters Messaging: davide.barbuscia.reuters.com@reuters.net))