Opec to stick with no cuts policy in Vienna
Opec is likely to sit on its hands this week in Vienna, hoping the market vindicates its policy in 2016
Global oil stocks are at record highs. The demand surge of 2015 is over and consumption growth next year will be more modest. US interest rates may be about to rise, putting more pressure on crude prices. Opec is producing well above its agreed ceiling. Non-Opec output continues to chug along at levels above expectations. It makes for a bearish picture, but barring a major surprise Opec will stick to its no-cuts policy in Vienna on 4 December. None of the necessary pre-meeting work to change tack has happened and price support is not on the agenda. Market recovery remains the goal of lynchpin Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf members. When Opec does get back to cutting, it will happen in a fir
Also in this section
20 March 2026
Attacks on key oil and LNG assets across the Gulf mean a prolonged supply disruption, with damage to Qatar’s export capacity undermining confidence in the global gas system
20 March 2026
The US may be systemically stripping Russia of key geopolitical allies, but Moscow can reap rewards from the Hormuz crisis, both in the short and long term
20 March 2026
Disruptions to Qatari LNG exports have highlighted the risks of concentrated supply, potentially strengthening the long-term position of US exporters despite limited near-term flexibility
20 March 2026
The extent of the US-Israel war with Iran means there will be no going back to the previous market equilibrium no matter how the conflict ends






