Opec’s risky metamorphosis
The urge to create a bigger producer group based on the Declaration of Cooperation is changing Opec's power politics
The Opec meeting of 22 June was less than 12 hours away and the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee was in session deep inside the group's central Vienna headquarters. Things got testy. Iran's oil minister, Bijan Namdar Zangeneh walked out and a few minutes later arrived at the Kempinski hotel nearby to tell reporters that Iran might kill Saudi Arabia's plan to get Opec support for an easing of the cuts the next day. The JMMC was formed in late 2016, part of the Declaration of Cooperation between Opec and non-Opec countries, and its original task was to keep tabs on producers' compliance with quotas. It meets every two months. And because Saudi Arabia and Russia are permanent members, it

Also in this section
21 May 2025
Integrated refining and petrochemicals company highlights strategic flexibility amid trade war risks and long-term planning to futureproof business, says CEO Prabh Das
21 May 2025
OPEC and IEA split on oil demand outlook and even diverge on supply risks, with huge implications for market sentiment
20 May 2025
Petroleum Economist is proud to be an official media partner for the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna
20 May 2025
Mediterranean-focused gas producer looks to replicate Israel success story and is hunting projects across the continent, with particular interest in West Africa