Opec to extend, tight oil to grow
The group is expected to extend its cuts deal. But global supply could still surge
Opec is almost certain to extend its cuts for the second half of 2017 when it meets on 25 May in Vienna. The group's most powerful member, Saudi Arabia, has signalled to the market to expect a rollover. Its neighbours in the Gulf, including Iraq, say they are on board. Venezuela is desperate for higher prices. "The deal is 99% done," one insider told Petroleum Economist recently. Oil prices haven't risen as high as most members would like, but they're well above the level they would have reached without a deal, and all members fear a sell-off if an extension isn't agreed later this month. Opec thinks one more heave will be enough to help the market turn a corner in the second half of the yea

Also in this section
7 August 2025
Without US backing, the EU’s newest sanctions package against Russia—though not painless—is unlikely to have a significant impact on the country’s oil and gas revenues or its broader economy
6 August 2025
Diesel market disruptions have propelled crude prices above $100/bl twice in this century, and now oil teeters on the brink of another crude quality crisis
5 August 2025
After failed attempts to find a buyer for its stake in Russia’s largest oil producer, BP may be able to avoid the harsh treatment meted out to ExxonMobil and Shell when they exited—and could even restart operations if geopolitical conditions improve
1 August 2025
A number of companies have filed arbitration claims against Gazprom over non-deliveries of contracted gas or other matters—and won. The next step is to collect the award, but this is no easy task