VIENNA – In a move aimed at enhancing “market stability,” seven nations within the OPEC+ coalition, including powerhouses like Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a slight production boost set to commence in June.
This decision, agreed upon during a virtual conference on Sunday, involves not just Saudi Arabia and Russia but also Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, and Oman. Together, they plan to increase output by 188,000 barrels per day.
While the gesture holds symbolic weight, its practical impact is mitigated by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing tensions in the U.S.-Israeli conflict. This strategic chokepoint, crucial for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments, has seen significant disruptions, removing millions of barrels from the global supply.
The announcement coincides with the United Arab Emirates’ exit from the OPEC consortium, a group that’s been pivotal in shaping energy prices worldwide for 65 years by producing roughly 40% of the planet’s crude oil.
It’s important to note that while Iran remains one of the 12 OPEC members, Russia participates in the oil producers’ alliance via the OPEC+ framework rather than as a full member.
The seven countries have also committed to monthly evaluations of “market conditions, conformity, and compensation,” with their next meeting scheduled for June 7.
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