Oil prices rose on Monday after OPEC+ members agreed to extend voluntary oil output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day into the second quarter, largely in line with market expectations.
Brent futures was 28 cents, or 0.3 per cent higher, at $83.83 a barrel at 0134 GMT, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 20 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $80.17 a barrel.
The output cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) is expected to cushion the market amid global economic concerns and rising output outside the group, with Russia’s announcement surprising some analysts.
Russia will cut its oil output and exports by an additional 471,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter, in coordination with some OPEC+ participating countries, its Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday.
“Signs of tightness in the physical market continue to push crude oil higher. Output cuts by the OPEC+ alliance continue to reduce supply as the market worries about the renewed tensions in the Middle East,” ANZ analysts said in a note on Monday.
(Zee)