What's happened
OPEC+ agreed to raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day in November, matching October's increase. The decision follows months of gradual output hikes aimed at balancing market share and prices amid weak demand and geopolitical tensions. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2.
What's behind the headline?
OPEC+’s decision to increase production by 137,000 barrels daily in November reflects a cautious approach to market management. The modest hike indicates a desire to avoid pressuring prices further amid weak demand forecasts, such as the International Energy Agency’s projection of only 700,000 barrels per day growth between 2025 and 2026. Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to exert significant influence, balancing their market share ambitions with the need to prevent oversupply. The group’s strategy suggests a focus on maintaining stability rather than aggressive price manipulation, especially as geopolitical tensions, like Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, complicate the supply landscape. The upcoming meeting on Nov. 2 will be critical in confirming whether these incremental increases will continue or if adjustments are necessary as market conditions evolve. This cautious stance may support oil prices in the short term but could limit the group’s ability to influence global supply dynamics significantly.
What the papers say
The articles from Bloomberg, The Independent, AP News, and The New Arab collectively highlight the ongoing cautious approach of OPEC+ in managing oil production. Bloomberg emphasizes the decision to maintain a slow, steady increase after a period of gradual hikes. The Independent and AP News detail the consistent output adjustments and the rationale behind them, citing global economic outlooks and market fundamentals. The New Arab notes the strategic aim of OPEC+ to push for greater market share while avoiding price pressure, especially given weak demand forecasts and geopolitical disruptions like Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. While Bloomberg and AP News focus on the technical details of the production increases, The Independent and The New Arab provide broader context about the group’s strategic motivations and geopolitical influences. This divergence underscores the complexity of OPEC+’s balancing act between market share ambitions and price stability.
How we got here
Since late 2023, OPEC+ has shifted from strict output cuts to gradual increases, aiming to regain market share lost during previous cuts. Saudi Arabia and Russia, as key members, influence these decisions, which are also affected by geopolitical tensions, Ukrainian strikes, and global economic outlooks. The group has been adjusting production in response to fluctuating demand and market conditions, with recent increases totaling over 2.5 million barrels per day since April 2025.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is OPEC+ increasing oil output now?
Recently, OPEC+ announced a modest increase in oil production, raising questions about their motives and the potential impact on global markets. Understanding why OPEC+ is boosting output now can shed light on broader economic and geopolitical strategies. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for energy prices and international relations.
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Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world right now. From global energy shifts and international conflicts to natural disasters and social protests, today's news is packed with important developments. Curious about how these stories connect or what they mean for you? Read on for quick summaries and answers to your top questions.
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Why is OPEC+ increasing oil production now?
OPEC+ has recently decided to raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, continuing a cautious approach to managing global oil supplies. This move raises questions about the reasons behind the increase, its impact on prices, and the geopolitical factors at play. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding OPEC+'s latest decision and what it means for the global energy market.
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