OPEC+ Crude Oil Output Rises in August as Record Cuts Ease

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): OPEC and its allies pumped more crude oil in August, led by surges from Saudi Arabia, Russia and the UAE, according to the latest S&P Global Platts survey, adding more supplies to a fragile market uncertain of the global economy's trajectory.

OPEC's 13 members produced 24.37 million b/d, a 4% rise from July, while its nine partners, including Russia, added 12.67 million b/d, a 6% increase, the survey found.

The higher volumes were not unexpected as the OPEC+ coalition's record 9.7 million b/d production cut accord, implemented during the depths of the coronavirus crisis in May, had been scheduled to ease to 7.7 million b/d for the rest of the year starting in August. As such, the group achieved 97% compliance with its new quotas in the month, according to Platts calculations.

But the increased production is coming at a time when the rapid recovery of global oil demand appears to be stalling, amid fears of a growing second wave of COVID-19 infections. Brent prices have tumbled in recent days to below $40/b, after weeks of hovering around $45/b.

Many Middle Eastern members had said that they would need extra supplies for electricity generation during a hot August, when air-conditioning units are running at full tilt, and that their exports to the market would not substantially increase.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, for example, boosted its production by 500,000 b/d month-on-month to 8.95 million b/d, still under its quota, the survey found, with most of the extra barrels consumed in its peaking power plants.

Russia, the largest non-OPEC member of the alliance, likewise had said it expected its additional production to be consumed domestically. It pumped 9.09 million b/d, above its quota by 10,000 b/d, according to the survey.

The UAE, which has traditionally demonstrated strong compliance with its quota, boosted its output to 2.74 million b/d, the survey found, far in excess of its cap. State oil company ADNOC has said it will slash its October term allocations by 30% to make up for the difference.

Courtesy: www.spglobal.com