LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) — A survey from energy reporting group Platts finds few indications the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut production for 2016.
OPEC said in its latest monthly market report output from member states in September increased by 109,000 barrels per day for an average 31.6 million bpd. Declines elsewhere, however, meant the global oil supply fell by 340,000 bpd to average 94.2 million bpd.
According to an emailed report from Platts, however, output from OPEC fell 60,000 bpd because of declines from Saudi Arabia. By OPEC’s own accounting, production from Saudi Arabia showed the largest drop of the 12 member states with 48,000 bpd, according to secondary sources. Platts found a similar drop in Saudi output by referencing information from oil industry officials and analysts.
Saudi Arabia in the past had maintained a high level of oil production despite the slump in crude oil prices, arguing it needs to protect its market share in an economy in flux because of the glut of U.S. oil.
OPEC said it adjusted its demand growth estimates for 2015 higher by 40,000 bpd because of generally positive trends in the global economy during the third quarter. For 2016, however, global oil demand growth was adjusted lower by the same amount.
Platts said the drop in Saudi crude oil production was a reflection of market conditions more than a change in policy.
An OPEC decision in November to keep production steady increased the downward pressure on oil markets favoring the supply side because of increased output from the United States.
“As OPEC’s Dec. 4 meeting approaches, market-watchers will be looking for signals as to the likely outcome,” the survey from Platts read. “But, nearly a year after the Saudi-led oil producer group decided to defend its share of the world oil market rather than cut production, there is no sign that a policy change may be in the offing.”
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