“We don't think that production cuts are advisable at this moment, given market uncertainty. U.S. officials were notified about OPEC's plans to cut oil production before a Sunday announcement that surprised markets but they do not know why the decision was made, a White House official said. Kirby sought to downplay any tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which pushed for production cuts last autumn that angered the White House and prompted the administration to call for a review of its relationship. One big difference now is that global oil prices are around $80 per barrel, compared with $110 and $120 last year, he said, while adding that the White House is focused on consumers, not barrels. Reporting by Jarret Renshaw and Moira Warbuton; Writing by Heather Timmons; Editing by David Gregorio and Marguerita ChoyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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