Latest News

OPEC+ not likely to alter output policy before June meeting

OPEC+ is not likely to make any oil output policy modifications until a complete ministerial event in June, three OPEC+ sources informed ahead of next week's gathering of ministers that is not anticipated to make any policy recommendations.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, called OPEC+, will hold an online joint ministerial tracking committee meeting (JMMC) on April 3 to evaluate the marketplace and members' implementation of output cuts.

The sources, who asked not to be called since they were not authorised to speak publicly, stated they did not expect action until June and the April meeting might be speedy and straightforward.

OPEC and the Saudi Energy Ministry did not react instantly to emailed requests for remark.

Already, OPEC+ members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia early this month accepted extend voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to the end of the second quarter to support the market.

Far this year, international oil prices have been strong, with Brent holding above $86 a barrel on Tuesday, up from lows just above $70 struck late last year.

This year's strength has arised from concerns in the market of supply interruption due to the fact that of war in the Middle East and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, though financial unpredictability and increased products from beyond OPEC+ have minimal additional rises.

When the voluntary curbs expire at the end of June, the total cuts by OPEC+ are set to decrease to 3.66 million bpd as agreed in earlier steps starting in 2022.

The JMMC brings together leading OPEC+ countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

The panel usually satisfies every 2 months and can make suggestions to change policy that can then be discussed and validated in a full ministerial conference consisting of all members.

(source: Reuters)