The Daily Guardian: Competitive Battle for Market Share Arises as U.S. Oil Production Soars

Madison Gordon 12 months ago 2 min read

Title: Saudi Arabia Struggles to Stabilize Oil Prices Amid Rising US Production

In a bid to support oil prices, Saudi Arabia and its OPEC+ allies have embarked on a plan to cut crude production. However, their efforts are hindered by the United States’ surging production and growing exports, causing concerns for the stability of the global oil market.

Under the newly formed OPEC+ agreement, member countries have agreed to collectively reduce production by 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) through Q1 2024. This agreement includes a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s previous production cut. The aim is to alleviate the oversupply issue that has plagued the market in recent years.

While OPEC+ members are making efforts to curb production, the United States stands out as a major contributor to the supply glut. In December, US crude exports soared to a staggering 4.5 million bpd, leaving Saudi Arabia’s exports at less than 6 million bpd. This disparity in exports can be attributed to the US’ high production levels and the country’s growing prominence as an oil exporter.

Tensions in the Middle East, including recent shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, have likely played a role in the surge of US petroleum exports. The rise in US oil production to a record-high of 13.3 million bpd in December further exacerbates the challenge faced by Saudi Arabia and OPEC+ in balancing the market.

To regain lost market share amid the growing dominance of US oil exports, Saudi Arabia may have resorted to lowering oil prices. Although this strategy could help the kingdom regain its footing, it also adds to the pressure on oil prices and the delicate balance OPEC+ strives to maintain.

Complicating matters further, unexpected increases in oil production by the US and Iran have partially offset the impact of the OPEC+ output cuts. The combined effect of these factors raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of the production cuts in stabilizing prices.

In a recent development, Brazil has been admitted as the newest member of OPEC+. This move could potentially lead to further supply growth in the future, compounding the challenges faced by the organization.

Currently, oil prices in the range of $70 to $75 per barrel are considered comfortable for producers. However, if OPEC members fail to adhere to the agreed production cuts, the market could experience a modest oversupply in Q1 2024. To prevent this scenario, strict compliance with the production cuts is crucial.

As Saudi Arabia grapples with maintaining its market share and stabilizing prices, the success of OPEC+ in rebalancing the global oil market remains uncertain. The ongoing competition from the United States and other non-OPEC countries highlights the challenges faced by traditional oil-producing nations and the ever-evolving dynamics of the industry.