Delays could mean French oil giant Total SA's (TOT) capital expenditure will fall short of $18 billion this year, Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie said Thursday.

While Total is maintaining a capex program of $18 billion for 2009, de Margerie said he doesn't know if the company will spend the full amount, adding that there might be delays.

De Margerie also reiterated that more expensive oil projects, such as extra-heavy crude, will "definitely need higher prices" than the current level. A price of $75 to $80 a barrel might be the right level, he said.

De Margerie spoke at an oil conference in Paris.

-By Adam Mitchell, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40171756; adam.mitchell@dowjones.com