The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) has updated two Notice to Lessees (NTL) to help the domestic industry adjust to and survive low prices. "Oil prices, adjusted for inflation, are down to levels last seen in the early 1970's," said Carolita Kallaur, associate director, Offshore Minerals Management Program. "While benefitting consumers generally, unanticipated price drops have some adverse consequences for society. When the price of oil falls, it can simply make continued production of a given oil field uneconomic. For the second time in five months, MMS lowered price forecasts used by existing leaseholders that apply for deepwater royalty relief. Fields in water deeper than 656 ft.