OPEC+ still showing restraint
Petroleum Economist analysis shows OPEC bringing back some barrels in May, but fewer than expected, while OPEC+ continues to see output fall
Despite expectations, OPEC+ has not significantly increased its oil production recently, with output remaining relatively stable. The group promised to start boosting production in April with an addition of 138,000b/d that month and 411,000b/d in May. In contrast, some OPEC+ members pledged to compensate for previous higher output by cutting production by 222,000b/d in April and 378,000b/d in May. According to Petroleum Economist, OPEC-9 increased output by 130,000b/d from the start of April until the end of May, while OPEC+ countries showed a drop of 110,000b/d. In fact, it looks like a zero-sum game, although OPEC+ should have reduced production by 51,000b/d, according to these plans. Thus
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






