Oil
OPEC increases crude output in September
OPEC recorded a significant increase in crude oil production during September, led largely by output expansions in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Key points
- Opec total crude output reached approximately 25.1 million barrels per day in September.
- Saudi Arabia led the increases with a rise of 744,000 barrels per day.
- Nigerian production fell slightly by 13,000 barrels per day to 1.6 million barrels per day.
Production changes across member states
According to Anadolu Ajansı, crude oil output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries recovered in September, advancing by roughly 920,000 barrels per day compared to the prior month. Total production for the group reached approximately 25.1 million barrels per day, as detailed in the latest monthly market report.
Saudi Arabia recorded the most substantial volume expansion, adding 744,000 barrels per day to reach an output near 8 million barrels per day. Iraq experienced the second-largest gain, with extraction climbing by 386,000 barrels per day to 3.9 million barrels per day. The United Arab Emirates also raised its figures by 86,000 barrels per day.
Conversely, Kuwait suffered the steepest reduction, dropping 140,000 barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels per day. Iran and Libya likewise registered lower output levels, while Nigerian production declined by 13,000 barrels per day to settle at 1.6 million barrels per day.
Wider alliance and demand outlook
Production across the broader Opec+ coalition advanced by approximately 903,000 barrels per day in September, bringing collective output to 39.07 million barrels per day. This growth occurred despite ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East and logistical hurdles affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Looking ahead, the organisation adjusted its demand forecasts, trimming the projection for 2026 while upgrading expectations for 2027. Global demand is anticipated to expand by 180,000 barrels per day to average 105.72 million barrels per day in 2026, followed by a further acceleration of 2.5 million barrels per day the subsequent year.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Crude benchmarks move budgets, currencies and inflation in producer and importer countries alike. For economies such as Nigeria, where fuels dominate exports, production and refining decisions move the whole economy.
9.5% of world merchandise exports were fuels in 2025Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
