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☆ Why is OPEC cutting oil output?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Redburn research said the size of the latest cut was probably overdone unless OPEC feared a major global recession. Surprise production cutsPUNISHING SPECULATORSThe cut will also punish oil short sellers or those who bet on oil price declines. "The latest cut would hurt those who bet against oil really badly," said a source familiar with OPEC+ thinking. However, excessively high oil prices represent a risk for OPEC+ as they speed up inflation, including for goods the group needs to purchase. Oil prices rebound after OPEC+ announces production cutsTENSIONS WITH WASHINGTONWashington has called the latest move by OPEC+ inadvisable.

☆ Saudi Arabia, OPEC+ producers announce voluntary oil output cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DUBAI, April 2 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ oil producers on Sunday announced voluntary cuts to their production, with Riyadh saying it would cut output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) from May until the end of 2023, state media reported. Russia's deputy prime minister also said Moscow would extend a voluntary cut of 500,000 bpd until the end of 2023. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Algeria said they would voluntarily cut output over the same time period. The UAE said it would cut production by 144,000 bpd, Kuwait announced a cut of 128,000 bpd while Iraq said it would cut output by 211,000 bpd and Oman announced a cut of 40,000 bpd. The Saudi energy ministry said in a statement that the kingdom's voluntary cut was a precautionary measure aimed at supporting the stability of the oil market.

☆ OPEC+ announces surprise oil cuts, while U.S. calls the move inadvisable
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Crude oil storage tanks at the Juaymah Tank Farm in Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in 2018. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ oil producers on Sunday announced further oil output cuts of around 1.16 million barrels per day, in a surprise move that analysts said would cause an immediate rise in prices and the United States called inadvisable. Oil prices last month fell towards $70 a barrel, the lowest in 15 months, on concern that a global banking crisis would hit demand. The latest reductions could lift oil prices by $10 per barrel, the head of investment firm Pickering Energy Partners said on Sunday, while oil broker PVM said it expected an immediate jump once trading starts after the weekend. The Saudi energy ministry said the kingdom's voluntary reduction was a precautionary measure aimed at supporting the stability of the oil market.

☆ Brent oil prices slip under $72 per barrel amid banking turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Brent oil prices logged losses Monday, dropping below $72 per barrel in intraday trade amid turmoil in the banking sector. The Brent contract with May delivery was trading at $71.64 per barrel at 11:00 London time, down by $1.33 per barrel from the Friday close. The front-month April WTI Nymex was at $65.52 per barrel, lower by $1.22 per barrel from the previous settlement. It added that the options market is now intensifying the decline in oil prices through delta-hedging plays. Questions linger over the potential demand boost from a reopening China — the world's largest importer of crude oil, whose buying was reined in for much of last year by Covid-19 restrictions.

☆ Inside the germy, sneeze-filled meeting between Morgan Stanley's CEO and the Saudi crown prince at the onset of COVID-19
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Liz Hoffman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

James Gorman, CEO of Morgan Stanley, met with the Saudi crown prince at the onset of the pandemic. The young royal kept sneezing during the meeting — and Gorman's fear of a deadly pathogen began to grow. He was in the royal palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, seated to the right of the country's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Given their recent experience with a deadly virus, Gorman took the caution of his Kuwaiti hosts as a sign that the West was underestimating the dangers of this one. And now, as Gorman chatted with the controversial 34-year-old crown prince about ways Saudi Arabia could diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil, the young royal kept sneezing.

☆ OPEC+ decisions not politicised, Saudi energy minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

RIYADH, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Decisions by OPEC+ are not politicised and are based on market fundamentals, Saudi Arabian energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Monday, adding that the alliance of oil producers is sufficiently flexible to adjust policy as needed. Prince Abdulaziz was speaking at a media forum in the capital Riyadh about last October's decision to cut the group's production target by 2 million barrels per day. The group comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia agreed the cuts until the end of 2023. Prince Abdulaziz reiterated in an interview with Energy Aspects last week that the decision was locked in for the rest of the year. Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi Editing by Kirsten Donovan and David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/2] Word "Oil" and stock graph are seen through magnifier displayed in this illustration taken September 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/FilesFeb 17 (Reuters) - Oil prices were on track for weekly losses of 2.5% as strong U.S. economic data heightened concerns that the Federal Reserve would further tighten monetary policy to tackle inflation, a move that could hit fuel demand. Data showed that the U.S. producer price index (PPI) rose 0.7% in January, after declining 0.2% in December. "Crude oil prices were also lower due to risk-off trades following the selloff on Wall Street following the PPI data and a strong U.S. dollar," Teng said. Oil prices have seesawed over the past weeks between fears of a recession hitting the United States amid inflation-fighting rate hikes and hopes for a pick-up in demand in China, the world's top oil importer.

[1/2] Word "Oil" and stock graph are seen through magnifier displayed in this illustration taken September 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/FilesFeb 17 (Reuters) - Oil prices were on track for weekly losses as strong U.S. economic data heightened concerns that the Federal Reserve would further tighten monetary policy to tackle inflation, a move that could hit fuel demand even as crude stockpiles grow. Data showed that the U.S. producer price index (PPI) rose 0.7% in January, after declining 0.2% in December. "Crude oil prices were also lower due to risk-off trades following the selloff on Wall Street following the PPI data and a strong U.S. dollar," Teng said. Oil prices have seesawed over the past weeks between fears of a recession hitting the United States amid inflation-fighting rate hikes and hopes for a pick-up in demand in China, the world's top oil importer.

☆ Oil prices fall as U.S. rate hike worries overshadow demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices slid on Friday and were on track for weekly losses as strong U.S. economic data heightened concern that the Federal Reserve will continue tight monetary policy to tackle inflation, which could hit fuel demand even as crude stockpiles grow. "Strong U.S. data bolstered concerns over rate hikes and prompted a rise in U.S. Treasury yields, which weighed on oil and other commodity prices," said Kazuhiko Saito, chief analyst at Fujitomi Securities. A build in U.S. crude stockpiles also added to pressure, he said. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday reported U.S. crude oil stockpiles last week rose to their highest level since June 2021 after a larger-than-expected build. Oil prices have seesawed over the past weeks between fears of a recession hitting the United States amid inflation-fighting rate hikes and hopes for a pick-up in demand in China, the world's top oil importer.

☆ Saudi minister warns sanctions, underinvestment may cause energy shortages
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBAI, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman warned on Saturday that sanctions and underinvestment in the energy sector could result in a shortage of energy supplies. The European Union has imposed a series of sanctions against Russia, reducing Russian energy exports, and other Western powers have also imposed measures as they seek to further limit Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. He said Saudi Arabia was working to send Ukraine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is most commonly used as a cooking fuel and in heating. Asked what lessons had been learnt from energy market dynamics in 2022, Prince Abdulaziz said the most important one was for the rest of the world to "trust OPEC+". Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Alexander Smith, David Holmes and Jan HarveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi energy minister warns sanctions could result in energy shortages
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBAI, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman warned on Saturday Western sanctions against Russia could result in a shortage of energy supplies in future. The prince also said Saudi Arabia was working to send Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Ukraine. The European Union has imposed a series of sanctions against Russia, reducing Russian energy exports, and other Western powers have also imposed measures as they seek to further limit Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. Asked what lessons had been learnt from energy market dynamics in 2022, Prince Abdulaziz said the most important one was for the rest of the world to "trust OPEC+". Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Alexander Smith and David HolmesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Japan minister signs clean energy cooperation document during Saudi visit
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 25 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) on Sunday in the fields of the circular carbon economy, carbon recycling, clean hydrogen and fuel ammonia, the Saudi Energy Ministry said on Twitter. The MoC was signed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Japanese Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is visiting the kingdom, after a meeting in which they both stressed the importance of supporting the stability of global oil markets through encouraging dialogue and cooperation between producers and consumers, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported. The two ministers also highlighted the need to ensure safe supplies from all energy sources to global markets and noted that the kingdom is "the largest dependable source" of crude oil supplies to Japan and "a reliable partner in this aspect" as well, SPA said. Reporting by Nayera Abdallah Editing by Peter Graff and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Oil prices little changed as U.S. crude drawdown offsets China COVID worries
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Isabel Kua | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies United States of America FollowSINGAPORE, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stocks offset worries about rising COVID-19 cases in top oil importer China. Gasoline inventories rose by about 4.5 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by 828,000 barrels, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "A larger-than-expected draw in U.S. inventories, coupled with U.S. plans to refill their Strategic Petroleum Reserve have supported oil prices," said Serena Huang, head of APAC analysis at Vortexa. Oil prices were boosted by these comments which suggest that OPEC+ may continue to keep supply tight to support oil prices, CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said. Growing worries about a surge in COVID-19 cases in China as the country begins dismantling its strict zero-COVID policy kept oil prices from moving higher.

☆ Oil prices up as U.S. crude stocks seen falling, dollar eases
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Laila Kearney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies API shows U.S. crude stocks down, fuel inventories up -sourcesU.S. dollar easesSurging COVID-19 cases in China limit gainsDec 21 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Wednesday as U.S. crude stocks were seen falling last week, while the dollar weakened, making oil less expensive for non-American buyers. Brent crude futures rose 8 cents to $80.07 per barrel by 0126 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 6 cents to $76.29. U.S. crude oil inventories fell by about 3.1 million barrels in the week ended Dec. 16, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Gasoline inventories rose by about 4.5 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by 828,000 barrels, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Oil prices, which came close to the all-time high of $147 a barrel in March after Russia invaded Ukraine, have unwound most of their 2022 gains.

☆ Oil prices steady after drawdown in U.S. crude stocks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stocks offset worries about rising Covid-19 cases in top oil importer China. Brent crude futures rose 7 cents, or 0.1%, to $80.06 per barrel by 0404 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 4 cents, or 0.1%, to $76.27. Gasoline inventories rose by about 4.5 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by 828,000 barrels, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Oil prices were boosted by these comments which suggests that OPEC + may continue to keep supply tight to support oil prices, Teng added. However, growing worries about a surge in Covid-19 cases in China as the country begins dismantling its strict zero-Covid policy kept oil prices from moving higher.

☆ The US doesn't have to worry about China repeating its mistakes in the Middle East
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Natalie Armbruster | Defense Priorities | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It was seen as a message to the US, but it's a mistake to think China has the same ambitions in the Middle East as the US. China has long assessed US involvement in the Middle East to be damaging to American power and strength. The first thing to know is China's involvement in the Middle East rests primarily on its energy dependence. Taking sides among adversaries in the Middle East would only limit China's trading partners and opportunities for mutual economic interest. The reality is that no matter China's view of the Middle East, the potential benefits that China could garner from its investments in the Middle East are not significant nor threatening enough to US interests to warrant the current level of worry.

☆ Saudi leads fall in major Gulf markets amid Fed policy jitters
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market dropped in early trade on Monday, leading declines in the Gulf region ahead of interest rate decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Fed is widely expected to raise rates by 50 basis points at its last meeting of 2022 on Wednesday. Investors will also focus on the central bank's updated economic projections and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) fell 0.6%, hit by a 1.5% fall in top lender Emirates NBD (ENBD.DU). The Qatari index (.QSI) slipped 1.4%, as most of the stocks in the index were in neagtive territory including the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA), down 2.2%.

☆ Saudi energy minister sees no clear results yet from Russia price cap
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Aziz El Yaakoubi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud speaks at the Future Investment Initiative conference, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 25, 2022. "These tools were created for political purposes and it is not clear yet whether they can achieve these political purposes," he said, referring to the price cap. The OPEC+ alliance decision to cut production by 2 million barrels per day on Oct. 5 was proven to be the correct one when recent developments are taken into consideration, he said. Prince Abdulaziz said the alliance would continue to focus on market stability in the year ahead. He also said he insisted that every OPEC+ alliance member take part in decision-making.

Chinese producer and consumer price inflation reports for November grab the limelight in Asia on Friday, with investors hoping to round off a bruising week on a positive note. Meanwhile, analysts expect the annual rate of consumer price inflation to slow to 1.6% from 2.1% in October, which would be the slowest rate of increase since March. China, the world's biggest energy consumer, is a major trade partner of oil-producing Gulf states and bilateral ties have expanded and strengthened in recent years. China's inflation figures follow a downside surprise in euro zone consumer price inflation, and economists expect upcoming U.S. producer and consumer price inflation numbers to have eased in November too. Three key developments that could provide more direction to markets on Friday:- China CPI (November)- China PPI (November)- South Korea current account (November)Reporting by Jamie McGeever in Orlando, Fla.; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ When China and Saudi Arabia meet, nothing matters more than oil
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Saudi Arabia is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and the top global supplier of crude oil. Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry/Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesEnergy is coreLast year, bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and China hit $87.3 billion, up 30% from 2020, according to Chinese customs figures. China’s crude imports from Saudi Arabia stood at $43.9 billion in 2021, accounting for 77% of its total goods imports from the kingdom. Beyond security of supply, Saudi Arabia could offer Beijing another prize with bigger geopolitical ramifications. Eurasia Group’s Kamal believes it’s “highly unlikely” that Saudi Arabia would take such a step, unless there is an implosion on the US-Saudi relationship.

It stood in stark contrast to the low-key welcome extended in July to U.S. President Joe Biden, with whom ties have been strained by Saudi energy policy and the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi that had overshadowed the awkward visit. In an op-ed published in Saudi media, Xi said he was on a "pioneering trip" to "open a new era of China's relations with the Arab world, the Arab countries of the Gulf, and Saudi Arabia". [1/6] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 8, 2022. Chinese and Saudi firms also signed 34 deals for investment in green energy, information technology, cloud services, transport, construction and other sectors, state news agency SPA reported. While Saudi Arabia was an important U.S. ally, she noted, "in recent years, it has upheld its strategic autonomy, resisted the pressure of the United States".

LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - OPEC+ is likely to keep oil output policy unchanged at a meeting on Sunday, five OPEC+ sources said, although two sources said an additional production cut was also likely to be considered to bolster prices that have slid due to fears of an economic slowdown. Five OPEC+ sources told Reuters that the Sunday meeting would most likely roll over existing policy. Two more sources said the group could discuss another output cut, although neither thought another cut was highly likely. Top OPEC exporter Saudi Arabia on Nov. 21 said OPEC+ was sticking with output cuts and could take further measures to balance the market. The energy ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iraq met on Thursday and stressed the importance of adhering to OPEC+ output cuts that last until the end of 2023, the Saudi energy ministry said in a statement on Friday.

☆ Saudi, Iraqi energy ministers meet, review oil markets
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 25 (Reuters) - The energy ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iraq met on Thursday and stressed the importance of adhering to OPEC+ output cuts that last until the end of 2023, the Saudi energy ministry said in a statement on Friday. Iraq's energy minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani met Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on a visit to the kingdom which began on Wednesday. In its last meeting on Oct. 5 an output cut of 2 million barrels a day was agreed. Prince Abdulaziz said earlier this week the group remains ready to take further measures if needed to balance supply and demand. Reporting By Maha El Dahan, Writing by Moaz Abd-Alaziz; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi energy minister denies output increase discussion -state news agency
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DUBAI, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom is not discussing a potential oil output increase with other OPEC oil producers, state news agency SPA reported, denying a Wall Street Journal report earlier on Monday. "It is well-known that OPEC+ does not discuss any decisions ahead of the meeting," the prince was quoted as saying, referring to the group's next meeting in December. "The current cut of 2 million barrels per day by OPEC+ continues until the end of 2023 and if there is need to take further measures by reducing production to balance supply and demand we always remain ready to intervene." Reporting by Maha El Dahan Editing by David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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