Saudi Arabia is moving towards a push for a small increase in oil production when the Opec+ group meets later on Wednesday, as it looks to bolster an improvement in relations with western powers in recent weeks.
Four people briefed on the kingdom’s thinking said a small production increase was becoming the most likely outcome in the wake of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s welcome in France last week and following US President Joe Biden’s trip to Jeddah in July.
Western countries have called on Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies to raise oil production to help address the cost of living crisis, but Riyadh has responded cautiously, not wanting to burn through limited spare capacity while there are signs demand for oil is cooling as economies flirt with recession.