OPEC+ Pauses Output Increases Amid Ongoing Disruptions

OPEC+ is likely to pause its output increases for the fourth quarter of this year, according to analysts. This move comes as the group still has another layer of production cuts in place until the end of 2026.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) needs to review members' oil production capacity before setting 2027 output baselines for quotas. This process will likely happen later in 2026 and may influence OPEC+'s decisions on future output steps.

The seven core OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan, and Oman, will hold their next meeting on October 4 to discuss this matter. The group's ability to control oil prices has been limited due to the ongoing Iran war disrupting exports through the Strait of Hormuz.