Oil prices were mixed on Monday as investors assessed OPEC+'s latest decision to increase production while continued easing of supply risks in the Middle East kept gains in check.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $72.10 per barrel at 9.40 a.m. local time (0640 GMT), down around 0.04% from the previous close of $72.12.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose about 0.2% to $68.81 per barrel from $68.69 in the previous session.
The market remained focused on supply after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, agreed on Sunday to raise their collective production target by 188,000 barrels per day (bpd) for August, extending their gradual unwinding of voluntary output cuts.
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually to review global market conditions and outlook.
As part of their collective commitment to support oil market stability, the seven participating countries decided to implement a production adjustment of 188,000 barrels per day from the additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023.
“The 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 increase, pause, or reverse the phase-out of the voluntary production adjustments, including reversing the previously implemented voluntary adjustments announced in November 2023,” OPEC said in a statement.
Meanwhile, crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have continued to recover in recent weeks, while Saudi oil exports have rebounded and higher output from other Gulf producers has eased concerns over global supply. Still, security risks around the Strait of Hormuz remain a key focus for oil markets.
Despite the improvement in supply conditions, investors remain cautious as geopolitical risks have not completely disappeared. Market participants continue to monitor diplomatic developments involving Iran and the US, along with broader regional security risks that could quickly affect oil flows.
Investors will also monitor upcoming US inventory data and economic indicators this week for further clues on demand prospects in the world's largest oil consumer.
By Handan Kazanci
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
