OPEC+ Announces Historic Oil Production Cut, Sending US Gas Prices Soaring
In a move that is set to send shockwaves through the global energy market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies have announced an unprecedented oil production cut of over 1.6 million barrels per day, effective from May onwards. This surprise move has already started to take effect on Monday, causing Brent crude futures and US benchmark WTI prices to surge by about 6% in trading.
The impact on gasoline prices is expected to be even more pronounced, with wholesale gasoline prices rising by about 8 cents a gallon, or around 3%, as of morning trading. This increase will be passed down to US drivers relatively quickly, further fueling inflation concerns.
According to Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for OPIS, which tracks gas prices for AAA, OPEC's move is likely to reignite the "inflation monster," leaving the White House feeling shocked and upset. He believes that US gas prices could reach as high as $3.80 to $3.90 in a short order due to this production cut.
While Kloza acknowledges that the US national average for gas prices was still below the record-high levels of 2022, when oil prices skyrocketed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he warns that the current reduction in oil output will be challenging to offset. He attributes one key factor keeping prices lower to the upcoming releases from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), as well as increased US oil production and refining capacity.
However, Kloza emphasizes that this significant reduction in OPEC's oil production capacity will have a lasting impact on global energy markets. "They have the ability to cut production, and they seem motivated to do so," he said.
The current increase in gas prices is set to push the national average for US gas prices above $3.50, surpassing last February's average price of $3.53 – just a day before Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked a global energy crisis.
In a move that is set to send shockwaves through the global energy market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies have announced an unprecedented oil production cut of over 1.6 million barrels per day, effective from May onwards. This surprise move has already started to take effect on Monday, causing Brent crude futures and US benchmark WTI prices to surge by about 6% in trading.
The impact on gasoline prices is expected to be even more pronounced, with wholesale gasoline prices rising by about 8 cents a gallon, or around 3%, as of morning trading. This increase will be passed down to US drivers relatively quickly, further fueling inflation concerns.
According to Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for OPIS, which tracks gas prices for AAA, OPEC's move is likely to reignite the "inflation monster," leaving the White House feeling shocked and upset. He believes that US gas prices could reach as high as $3.80 to $3.90 in a short order due to this production cut.
While Kloza acknowledges that the US national average for gas prices was still below the record-high levels of 2022, when oil prices skyrocketed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he warns that the current reduction in oil output will be challenging to offset. He attributes one key factor keeping prices lower to the upcoming releases from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), as well as increased US oil production and refining capacity.
However, Kloza emphasizes that this significant reduction in OPEC's oil production capacity will have a lasting impact on global energy markets. "They have the ability to cut production, and they seem motivated to do so," he said.
The current increase in gas prices is set to push the national average for US gas prices above $3.50, surpassing last February's average price of $3.53 – just a day before Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked a global energy crisis.