Finance
OPEC+ to consider 137,000 bpd oil output increase for April, sources say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Tags:Global markets
Quick Summary
OPEC+ may lift output by 137,000 bpd in April, ending a three‑month pause. Saudi Arabia also readied a short‑term supply surge plan as U.S.–Iran tensions and summer demand expectations buoy prices.
OPEC+ Weighs 137,000 bpd Output Hike for April After Three-Month Pause
April Output Decision and Market Context
MOSCOW/LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - OPEC+ will likely consider raising its oil output by 137,000 barrels per day for April to end a three-month pause in production increases, three sources with knowledge of OPEC+ thinking said, as the group prepares for peak summer demand and tensions between the U.S. and OPEC member Iran boost prices.
Market Share and Sanctions Dynamics
The resumption would allow OPEC leader Saudi Arabia and fellow members, such as the UAE, to regain market share at a time other OPEC+ members, such as Russia and Iran, contend with Western sanctions and Kazakh output is recovering from a series of setbacks.
Producers Meeting on March 1
Eight OPEC+ producers - Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Oman - meet on March 1.
Saudi Arabia’s Contingency Plan
In a separate development, top OPEC+ producer Saudi Arabia has activated a plan for a short-term oil output and export surge in case a U.S. strike on Iran disrupts oil flows from the Middle East, two sources familiar with the Saudi plan said.
No Immediate Official Comment
OPEC and authorities in Russia and Saudi Arabia did not reply immediately to requests for comment.
(Reporting by Olesya Astakhova in Moscow and Alex Lawler and Dmitry Zhdannikov in LondonWriting by Alex LawlerEditing by Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •OPEC+ is considering a 137,000 bpd increase for April after a three‑month pause in hikes.
- •Saudi Arabia and the UAE could regain market share as Russia and Iran face sanctions and Kazakhstan recovers output.
- •Eight key producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, will meet on March 1 to discuss the plan.
- •Saudi Arabia has activated a contingency plan for a short‑term output and export surge if a U.S. strike on Iran disrupts flows.
- •Expectations of peak summer demand and rising geopolitical risks are supporting oil prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about OPEC+ to consider 137,000 bpd oil output increase for April, sources say
1What is the main topic?
OPEC+ is considering raising oil output by 137,000 barrels per day in April, ending a three‑month pause in production increases.
2Why is OPEC+ weighing an increase?
Producers aim to prepare for peak summer demand, regain market share for core members, and respond to price support from U.S.–Iran tensions.
3When will the decision be discussed?
Eight OPEC+ producers are set to meet on March 1 to consider the proposed April increase and related market contingencies.
