Despite energy efficiency improvements in the West, global energy consumption is expected to continue to grow, led by Asia, JPMorgan analyst Christyan Malek tells investors in a research note. The analyst, who believes decarbonizing will be "far harder than current consensus assumes," estimates oil demand will be 4% higher than current levels by 2040, with demand growth peaking during 2035 through 2040. Amidst this backdrop, Malek has turned bullish on oil equities. The analyst's top pick is Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) and he reiterates an Overweight rating on BP (BP). Malek today upgraded Total (TOT) to Overweight from Neutral as he believes the company is best placed to reduce its own emissions intensity from core businesses and products and capture new sources of global energy demand growth. Malek also upgraded Equinor (EQNR) to Neutral from Underweight and following a period of restriction, moved to an Underweight from Neutral on Eni SpA (ENI) and Overweight rating on OMV AG (OMVKY).