Saudi Arabia, along with seven other OPEC+ countries, has decided to extend additional voluntary cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day until the end of December 2024. The countries involved in this decision include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. These countries first announced the voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023. The goal of these production adjustments is to limit the supply of oil in order to stabilize and support oil prices in the global market.
The eight OPEC+ countries have shown their commitment to achieving full compliance with the Declaration of Cooperation. This includes the additional voluntary production adjustments that were agreed upon during the 53rd meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee in April 2024. The countries have also agreed to fully compensate for any excess production that occurred since January 2024. This compensation is set to be completed by September 2025, in accordance with the plans submitted to the OPEC Secretariat.
In August 2024, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Kuwait, Algeria, and Oman held discussions with Iraq and Kazakhstan to ensure full conformity and compliance with the production adjustments. Both Iraq and Kazakhstan have committed to working with secondary sources to create production adjustment plans that will allow them to meet the compensation schedules they have submitted. This highlights the dedication of all the involved countries to adhere to the agreements and stabilize the oil market.
The recent announcement by Iraq, as well as the joint statement by Russia and Kazakhstan, further solidify the commitment of these countries to the agreement. They have reaffirmed their dedication to the additional voluntary production adjustments and the compensation schedules for excess production since January 2024. This unity among the OPEC+ countries is crucial in maintaining stability in the oil market and ensuring a sustainable balance between supply and demand.
The extension of the voluntary production cuts until the end of December 2024 is a clear indication of the ongoing efforts to support the oil market. By limiting the supply of oil, the OPEC+ countries aim to prevent a surplus in the market and maintain stable prices. This decision reflects the collective commitment of these countries to work together towards achieving a balanced and sustainable oil market that benefits both producers and consumers.
Overall, the agreement to extend the voluntary production cuts is a positive development for the oil market. It demonstrates the willingness of the OPEC+ countries to take necessary measures to ensure stability and prevent any disruptions. By working together and maintaining compliance with the agreed-upon measures, these countries are contributing to a more secure and predictable oil market that can benefit the global economy as a whole.