OPEC compliance improves amid market share threat

The surprise decision to bring on extra supply has coincided with better quota conformity from laggards in the group, Petroleum Economist analysis shows

OPEC+ is navigating through stormy waters as it grapples with the dual challenges of rising supply and weak demand. Compounding these headwinds, the escalating tariff war has increased volatility in the market, putting downward pressure on oil prices. When the eight key OPEC+ members met at the start of April and decided to increase output by 411,000b/d starting in May instead of the previously planned 135,000b/d, the group apparently assumed the tariff war might not last long and could be settled amicably. OPEC+ now finds itself at a crossroads. While the group may take some solace in the potential slowdown of US shale growth due to lower prices, the looming threat of weakening demand