OPEC+, Kazakhstan Halt Planned Oil Output Rise

OPEC+ members, including Kazakhstan, have agreed to halt their planned oil output increases in early 2026.

OPEC+ decided to pause planned oil production increases for January, February, and March 2026, citing seasonal trends and shifting global market conditions, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

The decision came after a virtual meeting of key producers - including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman - where members reviewed the economic outlook and agreed to take a cautious approach.

The group has been steadily boosting output each month since April, but officials say flexibility is crucial as demand patterns change. OPEC+ will reconvene on January 4, 2026, to reassess the situation and determine next steps.

This comes after the alliance approved a 137,000 barrels-per-day increase for December, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance global supply and demand.