OPEC+ reaffirms output hikes suspension till March 2026

The eight participating countries reaffirmed their decision on Nov. 2, 2025 to pause production increments in February and March 2026 due to seasonality

The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, met virtually today, Jan. 4, to review global market conditions and outlook.

The eight participating countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, reaffirmed their Nov. 2, 2025, decision to pause production increments in February and March 2026 due to seasonality.

They also reiterated that the 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) may be returned in part or in full subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner, state-run news agency SPA reported.

The OPEC+ countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability.

They reaffirmed the importance of adopting a cautious approach and retaining full flexibility to continue pausing or reverse the additional voluntary production adjustments, including the previously implemented voluntary adjustments of the 2.2 million bpd announced in November 2023.

They highlighted their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that will be monitored by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC).

They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024.

They will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation, with the next meeting scheduled on Feb. 1.