OPEC+ to Pause Oil Output Hikes in Q1 2026

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – The eight key members of OPEC+ will pause oil production hikes in the first quarter of 2026 to ensure market stability, according to a joint announcement by the group over the weekend.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman said in an OPEC+ statement issued Sunday (11/02) that they would implement a production adjustment of 137,000 bpd in December 2025, from 1.65 million bpd in voluntary cuts first announced in April 2023.

This adjustment follows prior increments announced for October and November.

However, from January to March of next year,  OPEC+ has decided to pause its output hikes as it reaffirmed  “the importance of adopting a cautious approach” with their production strategy.

Further output decisions would be based on evolving market conditions.

The eight OPEC+ countries will hold their next meeting on November 30.