11.06.2012, 16:50
Die Ölproduktion erreicht nicht nur ihren Zenit, sondern übersteigt derzeit wohl offenbar auch die vereinbarten Quoten innerhalb der OPEC. Verantwortlich für den Produktionsüberschuss ist offenbar ausschließlich Saudi Arabien:
Zitat:Saudi-Iran Rivalry Looms Over OPEC Meeting<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.nasdaq.com/article/saudi-iran-rivalry-looms-over-opec-meeting-20120611-00357">http://www.nasdaq.com/article/saudi-ira ... 0611-00357</a><!-- m -->
When OPEC meets next week in Vienna, Iran and others are expected to press Saudi Arabia to scale back its record output--or else face the risk of a new oil-price collapse.
Much has changed since the group last met in December and managed to put aside its differences to agree to collectively produce 30 million barrels a day. For one thing, oil prices in London have fallen below $100 a barrel as the world economic outlook has worsened. For another, world powers have raised the pressure on Iran's nuclear program while urging Saudi Arabia to pump more oil to make up for any Iranian shortfall.
The combination of these factors has sown discord in OPEC, with several members fretting over the current output level. Yet despite the rhetoric, few analysts expect OPEC to make dramatic shifts next week.
OPEC is currently pumping nearly 6% above its production ceiling, according to most estimates. Nearly all of the excess comes from Saudi Arabia, which again finds itself in the OPEC spotlight -- and firing line.
Iranian OPEC envoy Muhammad Ali Khatibi recently warned that growing "instability" in the oil market would likely lead to a "serious decline in oil prices." The reason? "Increasing production by some members, especially Saudi Arabia," he said.
Algerian oil minister Youcef Yousfi said OPEC members are "worried about the deterioration of the market" on Thursday. "I hope we will find a consensus to correct this situation if it is confirmed the ceiling of 30 million barrels a day was breached," he added.
Yet there is little indication that Saudi Arabia -- OPEC's lone member with significant spare capacity -- sees anything wrong with today's market. In fact, the recent decline in oil prices appears to be following the kingdom's strategy.
Speaking in Australia last month, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said he wanted Brent oil prices to trade at "around $100," unusually specific comments for the normally-circumspect minister. Since that time oil prices have largely been in retreat mode, hitting $99.47 Brent Friday, down 46 cents, after peaking at $128 earlier this year during the height of the Iran anxiety.
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