Just two months after surprising markets by announcing oil output cuts, officials from OPEC, Russia and other countries meeting in Vienna this weekend find themselves pondering whether they need to dial down production again.
Their goal would be to prop up a market that has turned negative.
Oil prices since mid-April have fallen more than 12 percentpushing Brent crude to about $76 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate to $71.70.
The main reason for the slump: Persistent fears of a slowdown in the global economy that, in turn, has created worries among investors and traders about weaker demand for oil and other commodities.
“They are faced with a market that is doggedly bearish,” said Raad Alkadiri, managing director for energy, climate and resources at Eurasia Group, a political risk firm.
Persons:
Brent, ”, Raad Alkadiri
Organizations:
West Texas, Eurasia Group
Locations:
OPEC, Russia, Vienna