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Why OPEC is downgrading its demand forecast for the 3rd time in 3 months

Oct 14, 2024
Oil demand is still expected to grow in the coming year, but more slowly, and especially in China.
China imports more crude oil than any other country in the world. And right now, it's having economic problems.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

A new report says worldwide oil demand will peak in 2029. Some oil industry observers are skeptical.

Jun 13, 2024
Even if the prediction's right, Big Oil will be with us much longer.
Even if the IEA's estimate is right, petroleum will continue to be a massive industry past 2029.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

U.S. oil producers have increased production, frustrating OPEC's efforts to prop up oil prices

Dec 20, 2023
Domestic oil production is running around a million barrels a day ahead of predictions.
This time last year, cuts by OPEC helped push oil prices above $80 a barrel. American producers took notice.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Delay of OPEC+ meeting leaves questions about oil supply cuts

Nov 22, 2023
The expectation was that OPEC countries would continue cutting back supply. Some think the delay may mean there’s disagreement about that.
A lot of OPEC countries would really like it if the price of oil was a bit higher.
Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images

Why are oil prices suddenly dropping?

Oct 6, 2023
Since the end of September, Brent Crude has been sliding — down to the $84-a-barrel range, more than a 10% decline in just over a week. This is also playing out at the pump, with gas down about eight cents a gallon in the last week.
Along with oil prices, the average price of gas in the U.S. has fallen in the last week. Above, a gas station in Los Angeles, California.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Will demand for oil slow or remain steady in 2024?

Aug 11, 2023
The International Energy Agency expects demand to grow, but more slowly than this year. OPEC expects it to stay about the same.
As oil demand grows around the world this year, agencies are divided on next year's demand projections.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

To stay atop the oil market, OPEC became OPEC+. But keeping the cartel in sync isn't easy.

Jun 28, 2023
The Saudis invited the Russians to the table and rolled out the red carpet. But the Russians haven't always done what the Saudis want.
OPEC and OPEC+ members break their oil production promises all the time, said Victor McFarland at the University of Missouri.
Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Oil demand is steady, but now OPEC+ is cutting supply

Apr 3, 2023
The economies of China, the U.S. and Europe will all be affected by the cartel's move to boost energy prices.
An oil tanker delivers crude to a Chinese port. China’s been increasing its oil demand, but that may not offset a potential slowdown in the West, according to Sara Vakshouri of SVB Energy.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

Oil supply may finally catch up with demand. But what about emissions?

Dec 14, 2021
There's a disconnect between the ongoing demand for fossil fuels and White House messaging about reaching net-zero emissions.
Despite wanting and needing to reduce oil consumption, many countries are still largely fossil-fuel dependent. Above: An oil refinery operates in Houston, Texas.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

OPEC has to decide whether it will continue to curb oil output

Nov 27, 2020
Ramping up production when demand is still weak could have major consequences on a relatively stable oil market.
Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images