• OPEC+ to increase oil production by 411,000 barrels per day for July, following increases in May and June.
• The decision responds to low oil prices, which have fallen to around $60 per barrel.
• Saudi Arabia and Russia aim to regain market share while addressing overproduction by certain member countries.
• Analysts note geopolitical factors, including pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, influencing the increase.
• Members express concerns about market stability and demand amid a trade war.

OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil output by 411,000 barrels per day for July, maintaining the same target set for both May and June. This decision signifies a departure from previous strategies focused on production cuts. The latest increase is more than three times what had initially been planned by the member countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, as they adapt to changing market conditions, according to SCMP, Reuters, and India Times.

This increase comes as oil prices have fallen to approximately $60 per barrel, the lowest level in four years, prompting OPEC+ to adjust production to reflect a "steady global economic outlook." Analysts like Jorge Leon from Rystad Energy note that the pace of this output increase marks a strategic shift rather than a simple response to market conditions, hinting at geopolitical motivations tied to U.S. interests, per India Times and Bangkok Post.

Saudi Arabia's leadership is perceived as responding to U.S. President Trump's demand for cheaper oil, which he believes will benefit American consumers. However, there is skepticism in the market regarding the sustainability of this boost in production, especially in light of ongoing trade tensions and concerns over actual demand, according to Dawn and India Times.

Various members of OPEC+ have indicated that some nations are exceeding their production quotas, leading to internal tensions within the alliance. Kazakhstan has openly stated it will not cut its output, prompting criticism and further complicating OPEC+'s ability to manage supply effectively, as noted by several analysts and confirmed by Bangkok Post, Dawn, and Reuters.