Opec's next balancing act
The oil market is at a crux point as bullish and bearish forces battle to set the tone
After a long hot afternoon around a circular table in Algeria, Opec struck its deal with Russia to start cutting oil production. It was September 2016 and the agreement-the "Algiers Accord", as Opec now styles it—was the beginning of the end of the oil-price slump. The partners will ride back into Algiers again in the final week of September to honour the date. The deal has become central to Opec's branding under secretary-general Mohammad Barkindo. Celebrations are planned. The cutters have every reason to be pleased. The supply glut has been gone now for months. A barrel of Brent crude oil, about $55 two years ago, has traded above $70/b since mid-April 2018. Saudi Arabia is said to want t
Also in this section
10 December 2024
Sector at economic and strategic crossroads, but clear path ahead for midstream additions
30 November 2024
Decades of turmoil have left Iraq’s vast energy potential underutilised, but renewed investment and strategic reforms are transforming it into a key player in the region
29 November 2024
The country's fifth and sixth oil and gas bid rounds have attracted a range of new players with gas as well as oil ambitions—and there’s a seismic shift in the contracting process
28 November 2024
Iraq is charting a new path for its indigenous resources and its youth, hoping to electrify the future with a mix of reforms and modernisation to fuel growth