OPEC+ agreed to keep oil production steady at Sunday’s meeting despite political turmoil among key members, maintaining current output targets through Q1 2026.
The decision comes as oil prices fell more than 18% in 2025, creating pressure on the cartel to support market stability amid geopolitical uncertainties 1.
Key Takeaways
- OPEC+ maintains steady oil output despite member tensions
- Eight key members previously raised targets by 2.9 million barrels daily
- Oil prices dropped over 18% in 2025 before meeting
Market Reaction & Context
The oil cartel’s decision to maintain production levels comes after crude prices experienced significant volatility throughout 2025. The eight core OPEC+ members – Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Oman – had previously raised oil output targets by around 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025 2.
This increase equated to nearly 3% of global oil supply, representing a substantial boost to market availability 3. The group had already agreed in November to halt output increases for January, February, and March 2026 4.
Political Tensions Within Alliance
Sunday’s meeting occurred amid notable political tensions between key member states, though specific details about the nature of these disputes were not disclosed in official statements. The alliance has historically faced challenges balancing individual member interests with collective market strategy 5.
Despite these internal pressures, OPEC+ sources indicated the group reached consensus on maintaining current production levels. The decision reflects the cartel’s continued commitment to market stability over short-term political considerations 6.
Market Implications
The steady output decision signals OPEC+’s attempt to balance market support with member country revenue needs. Oil markets have been volatile due to various factors including global economic uncertainty and shifting energy demand patterns.
Energy analysts view the decision as a cautious approach during uncertain times. The group’s ability to maintain unity despite internal tensions demonstrates the economic importance of coordinated oil policy for member nations 7.
Looking Ahead
OPEC+ will continue monitoring market conditions as it evaluates future production decisions. The alliance’s next moves will likely depend on global economic developments and oil price trends in the coming months.
The group’s capacity to maintain consensus amid political challenges will be closely watched by energy markets and investors seeking stability in crude oil supplies 8.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1Ahmad Ghaddar, Alex Lawler and Olesya Astakhova (2026). “OPEC+ keeps oil output steady despite turmoil among members”. Reuters. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
2“Delegates: OPEC+ Set to Hold Output Steady Despite Political Turmoil” (2026). OilPrice.com. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
3“OPEC+ keeps oil output steady amid turmoil among members” (2026). Ground News. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
4“Sources Say That OPEC+ Will Maintain Oil Production” (2026). World Energy News. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
5“OPEC+ signals steady output despite Gulf tensions, Venezuela shock” (2026). Middle East Online. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
6“OPEC+ keeps oil output steady despite turmoil among members” (2026). SABC News. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
7“OPEC+ to keep oil output steady despite turmoil among members” (2026). TradingView. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
8“OPEC+ to keep oil output steady despite turmoil among members, sources say” (2026). Markets Mojo. Retrieved January 4, 2026.