OPEC Fears Blame Of US Recession Now Rethinking Production Cuts

OPEC Fears Blame Of US Recession Now Rethinking Production Cuts
With high oil prices weighing on a struggling US economy, the OPEC oil cartel is reconsidering plans to cut production this week, which could push prices above their current record levels. Instead, OPEC is likely to keep its output unchanged when its members meet Wednesday.

When the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries gathered in Vienna last month, the group suggested it might curb production soon to make up for a seasonal decline in oil demand. Since then, however, oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel and the economic picture in the United States, the world's top oil consumer, has darkened significantly.

This is a time of the year when oil prices usually fall, between the peak winter and summer seasons. Typically, refineries prepare to shut down for annual maintenance and oil consumption falls. Instead, oil prices are reaching new records. Crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange closed at an all-time high of $102.59 a barrel Thursday and fell 75 cents to end at $101.84 on Friday.

 


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w209w114w209w114 - 3/5/2008 2:44:14 PM
+1 Boost
They have no choice but to keep things where they are.


ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 3/5/2008 3:12:39 PM
0 Boost
Its not as much that the price of Crude is going up, but rather the price of the USD is declining. Because Crude is priced by the barrel in USD, when USD declines, you need more USD to buy one Barrel. Thats the easiest way to explain why the price continues to hit record highs...


ShredmoShredmo - 3/5/2008 4:55:21 PM
0 Boost
The idea is to limit the increase in fuel costs for their biggest buyer. The question was never WHY. Seems pretty simple. Surprised it needed an explanation.



olscuulolscuul - 3/5/2008 7:27:24 PM
+1 Boost
it would hurt their other business interests in the states.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/5/2008 10:37:21 PM
+1 Boost
it would be incredibly foolish of OPEC to cut production now. oil prices will come down at some point (always do) and if they screw the world at this time, they'll isolate themselves politically. ironically, they'll suffer decreased demand if more of the world moves into recession,.

they should be increasing production.


mini22mini22 - 3/6/2008 1:09:40 PM
+1 Boost
Absolutely.They need to increase production.


AMiodynskiAMiodynski - 3/7/2008 3:10:14 PM
+2 Boost
Thanks Mr. President !!! Asshole !!


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