Opec, Russia agree oil cut extension to end of 2018

VIENNA (REUTERS) – Opec and non-Opec producers led by Russia agreed on Thursday (Nov 30) to extend oil output cuts until the end of 2018 as they try to finish clearing a global glut of crude while signalling a possible early exit from the deal if the market overheats.

Russia, which this year reduced production significantly with Opec for the first time, has been pushing for a clear message on how to exit the cuts so the market does not flip into a deficit too soon, prices do not rally too fast and rival US shale firms do not boost output further.

Russia needs much lower oil prices to balance its budget than Opec’s leader Saudi Arabia, which is preparing a stock market listing for national energy champion Aramco next year and would hence benefit from pricier crude.

The producers’ current deal, under which they are cutting supply by about 1.8 million barrels per day in an effort to boost oil prices, expires in March.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh told reporters the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries had agreed to extend the cuts by nine months until the end of 2018, as largely anticipated by the market.

Opec also decided to cap the output of Nigeria and Libya at 2017 levels without deciding on figures, he added. Both countries have been previously exempt from cuts due to unrest and lower-than-normal production.

The Opec meeting was followed by talks with the non-Opec producers, which started at 1600 GMT (midnight on Friday, Singapore time).

As of 1710 GMT, those talks were continuing but a delegate told Reuters non-Opec had agreed to extend the cuts in tandem with Opec until the end of 2018.

Before the meetings, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said it was premature to talk about exiting the cuts at least for a couple of quarters and added that Opec would examine progress at its next regular meeting in June.

“When we get to an exit, we are going to do it very gradually… to make sure we don’t shock the market,” he said.

The Iraqi, Iranian and Angolan oil ministers also said before Thursday’s meetings that a review of the deal was possible in June in case the market became too tight.

Zanganeh said later no such debate had taken place at the Opec meeting. However, a draft Opec communique said the duration would be reviewed in June based on fundamentals.

“We will review the market situation and needs, and whether to keep the same level of cut or gradually decrease or increase it,” one delegate said.

International benchmark Brent crude rose around 0.5 per cent on Thursday to trade above US$63 a barrel.

GLUT OR SHORTAGE?

With oil prices rising above US$60, Russia has expressed concerns that an extension for the whole of 2018 could prompt a spike in crude production in the United States, which is not participating in the deal.

“If producers in the US increase their rig count over the next few months due to higher prices then I expect another price collapse by the end of 2018,” said Scott Sheffield, executive chairman of Pioneer Natural Resources, one of the largest producers in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, the largest US oilfield.

“I hope that all US shale companies will maintain their current rig counts and use all excess cash flow to increase dividends back to their shareholders,” he told Reuters.

Gary Ross, a veteran Opec watcher and founder of Pira consultancy, said the market could surprise on the upside with Brent prices rising to US$70 a barrel if there was a major supply disruption.

“Everywhere you look, there is an ever-present risk to supply,” Ross said.

“In Iraq’s Kurdistan there is a major risk to oil exports because of tensions with Baghdad, in Libya militias are still fighting, in Nigeria the risks of disruptions are significant, Venezuela is on the verge of default, Iran could again face US financial sanctions and even in Saudi Arabia political risk is on the rise,” Ross added.

The production cuts have been in place since the start of 2017 and helped halve an excess of global oil stocks although those remain at 140 million barrels above the five-year average, according to Opec.

Russia has signalled it wants to understand better how producers will exit from the cuts as it needs to provide guidance to its private and state energy companies.

“We need to work out a strategy for 2018,” Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/opec-russia-agree-oil-cut-extension-to-end-of-2018