OPEC+ cuts global oil supplies, reversing September increase

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, also known as OPEC+, plan to cut global oil supplies by 100,000 barrels per day next month, which an industry expert claims is more of a "political statement." 

The October cut essentially reversed the group's September increase by the same amount. Monday's move also comes after comments from Saudi Arabia’s energy minister that the group could reduce output at any time.

"With OPEC+ production already running nearly 3 million barrels per day less than their agreed to quota, the announcement is more of a political statement," Lipow Oil Associates President Andy Lipow told FOX Business. "Saudi Arabia wants to talk up prices and the burden of any production cut will rest predominantly with them and to a lesser extent with the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait." 

OIL GETS A BOOST: BIDEN CELEBRATES AS OPEC+ AGREES TO RAMP UP PRODUCTION

Although oil prices are rising Monday, Lipow said it is mainly due to Russian energy giant Gazprom's shutdown of Nordstream 1 natural gas supplies.  

"OPEC+ announcement had little effect on oil prices as the market had been expecting no change in production and OPEC+ actions for October basically mean no discernable change," he added. 

As of Monday, prices are still significantly down from June peaks of over $120 per barrel, which is good news for motorists given the fact that oil accounts for over 50% of what consumers pay at the pump, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  

Since June, pump prices have eased after hitting a record of over $5. As of Monday, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline is sitting at $3.78, according to AAA. 

However, there are several factors that could influence oil prices moving ahead. 

On one hand, the Group of Seven major democracies plan to impose a price cap on imports of Russian oil and what effect that might have on the market. The price level for the cap has not yet been set.

OIL FALLS AS SAUDI ARABIA READY TO PUMP MORE IF RUSSIA OUTPUT SINKS: REPORT

However, a deal between world powers, including the U.S., and Iran to limit Tehran’s nuclear program could ease sanctions and allow over 1 million barrels per day of Iranian oil to return to the market over the next few months.

"It is estimated that Iran has nearly 100 million barrels of oil stored on tankers and another 40 million barrels in storage on land," according to Lipow. "This oil could reach the market immediately pressuring prices." 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

If an agreement is reached, Lipow projects oil prices would fall $5 to $7 per barrel. It could also push OPEC+ to discuss a production cut to offset the increased supplies. 

Oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, have resisted calls from President Biden to pump more oil to lower gasoline prices and the burden on consumers and instead have only stuck with only cautious increases to make up for deep cuts made during the pandemic. 

In response to the reports on OPEC+, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Monday that President Biden is "determined to take every step necessary to shore up energy supplies and lower energy prices" including releasing oil from U.S. and global strategic reserves and working with allies to put a price cap on Russian oil. 

U.S. oil production is already "up by more than half a million barrels per day since the beginning of the year" according to Jean-Pierre. 

It is also "on track to be up by more than one million barrels per day by the end of the year, on the way to a new production record next year," Jean-Pierre added. 

The White House also noted that there has been 12 consecutive weeks of price declines at gas pump which is "the fastest decline in over a decade."

Fox News' Erin McEwan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.