In a significant policy shift, OPEC+ has announced another substantial increase in oil production, raising output by 547,000 barrels per day for September 2025. The move is part of the alliance’s ongoing strategy to reclaim global market share amid rising geopolitical pressure and a tightening oil market.

This latest increase adds to a string of monthly hikes that began in April, signaling a full reversal of the bloc’s largest-ever production cuts. The decision also includes a notable production boost for the United Arab Emirates, bringing the group’s cumulative supply increase to nearly 2.5 million barrels per day—roughly 2.4% of global demand.

OPEC+, a coalition of OPEC and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing nations including Russia and Kazakhstan, convened virtually over the weekend. The meeting took place against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic efforts, with the U.S. urging India to scale back Russian oil imports as part of broader measures to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations with Ukraine. President Donald Trump has called for a resolution by August 8.

In a post-meeting statement, OPEC+ attributed its decision to rising demand, a strong global economy, and declining inventories. Brent crude has remained resilient, trading near $70 a barrel—well above its April low of $58—buoyed by seasonal demand and supply constraints.

“OPEC+ is drawing confidence from the current price levels and the state of global stocks,” said Amrita Sen, co-founder of Energy Aspects. “The market structure suggests tight supply, which supports their strategy.”

The group’s phased production increases began modestly in April with a 138,000 bpd hike, followed by more aggressive monthly additions through the summer. Despite the steady rise in supply, oil markets have remained stable, helped in part by Chinese stockpiling and limited spare capacity globally.

According to Giovanni Staunovo of UBS, “The market has so far absorbed these additional barrels well, thanks to strategic buying, especially from Asia.”

OPEC+ is set to reconvene on September 7, where members may debate whether to begin scaling back an additional 1.65 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts—currently scheduled to remain in effect until the end of 2026.

While OPEC+ has already reversed its most significant production cut without triggering a price collapse, experts warn that future decisions will be more complex.

“The group passed the first major test,” said Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy, a former OPEC advisor. “But managing the final phase of unwinding cuts while navigating geopolitical tensions will be even more challenging.”

With half the world’s oil output under its belt, OPEC+ now faces the delicate task of balancing supply growth with market stability, all while political pressure and global uncertainties continue to mount.

OPEC+ Boosts Oil Output Again in Strategic Bid to Reclaim Market Share

In a significant policy shift, OPEC+ has announced another substantial increase in oil production, raising output by 547,000 barrels per day for September 2025. The move is part of the alliance’s ongoing strategy to reclaim global market share amid rising geopolitical pressure and a tightening oil market.

This latest increase adds to a string of monthly hikes that began in April, signaling a full reversal of the bloc’s largest-ever production cuts. The decision also includes a notable production boost for the United Arab Emirates, bringing the group’s cumulative supply increase to nearly 2.5 million barrels per day—roughly 2.4% of global demand.

OPEC+, a coalition of OPEC and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing nations including Russia and Kazakhstan, convened virtually over the weekend. The meeting took place against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic efforts, with the U.S. urging India to scale back Russian oil imports as part of broader measures to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations with Ukraine. President Donald Trump has called for a resolution by August 8.

In a post-meeting statement, OPEC+ attributed its decision to rising demand, a strong global economy, and declining inventories. Brent crude has remained resilient, trading near $70 a barrel—well above its April low of $58—buoyed by seasonal demand and supply constraints.

“OPEC+ is drawing confidence from the current price levels and the state of global stocks,” said Amrita Sen, co-founder of Energy Aspects. “The market structure suggests tight supply, which supports their strategy.”

The group’s phased production increases began modestly in April with a 138,000 bpd hike, followed by more aggressive monthly additions through the summer. Despite the steady rise in supply, oil markets have remained stable, helped in part by Chinese stockpiling and limited spare capacity globally.

According to Giovanni Staunovo of UBS, “The market has so far absorbed these additional barrels well, thanks to strategic buying, especially from Asia.”

OPEC+ is set to reconvene on September 7, where members may debate whether to begin scaling back an additional 1.65 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts—currently scheduled to remain in effect until the end of 2026.

While OPEC+ has already reversed its most significant production cut without triggering a price collapse, experts warn that future decisions will be more complex.

“The group passed the first major test,” said Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy, a former OPEC advisor. “But managing the final phase of unwinding cuts while navigating geopolitical tensions will be even more challenging.”

With half the world’s oil output under its belt, OPEC+ now faces the delicate task of balancing supply growth with market stability, all while political pressure and global uncertainties continue to mount.