Oil at 7-year high after OPEC+ decides on cautious increase
CBC
Oil prices jumped Monday after OPEC and allied oil producing countries stayed with their gradual approach to restoring output slashed during the pandemic, agreeing to add only 400,000 barrels per day in November.
The decision by the oil cartel, along with non-members including Russia, is in keeping with its established schedule of adding back that amount of oil every month until deep cuts made in 2020 to support prices during the depth of the pandemic recession are restored next year.
The situation has changed since then as the global economy recovers. The decision comes amid stronger demand for oil products like gasoline and jet fuel, as driving and flying pick up around the globe due to the easing of restrictions aimed at containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
On top of that, unusually high prices for natural gas are pushing some electricity producers in Asia to switch from natural gas to oil-based products, helping support prices.
The price of a barrel of crude hit $78.38 US, the highest since 2014, then eased to trade two per cent higher on the day at $77.87 US on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The Brent international benchmark was at $81.57 US, up nearly three per cent.
"Producing nations, and namely OPEC+, have to be careful not to allow prices to inflate too much, otherwise we may see an adverse reaction that could negatively impact post-pandemic economic growth," said Bjornar Tonhaugen, head of oil markets at Rystad Energy.
"Nevertheless, OPEC+ will surely keep on monitoring market developments and can amend policy going forward if needed," Tonhaugen said. OPEC+ scheduled its next meeting for Nov. 4.
