27/09/2001

Opec opts to hold steady on oil prices

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) has chosen to hold prices steady in order to avoid criticism of profiting from current tensions between the West and the Middle East.

The decision comes after a meeting on Wednesday 26 September, where representatives from Opec stated reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining steady production levels.

The price of crude oil has plummeted in the past week following growing confidence that supplies from the Middle East are unlikely to be affected by the current political situation.

Oil prices rose dramatically in the immediate wake of the US terror attacks, but confidence in the market soon returned – and in conjunction with lessened demand from the airline industry, oil prices soon tumbled to around $20 a barrel.

Some analysts have predicted that oil prices could drop even further than the present range, with estimates being voiced that prices could level out at $18 for Brent oil and $20 for US crude in the event of a depressed economy. (CL)

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