OPEC+ alliance boosts oil production as energy prices soar
Associated PressLONDON — The OPEC oil cartel and allied producing countries including Russia will raise production by 648,000 barrels per day in July and August, offering modest relief for a global economy suffering from soaring energy prices. “The United States will continue to use all tools at our disposal to address energy prices pressures.” Biden administration officials have recently visited Saudi Arabia for talks on energy supplies and regional security issues. Instead the alliance’s statement merely mentioned reopening from COVID-19 lockdowns in “major global economic centers” and the end of seasonal maintenance work at refineries as justifications for the incremental increase. The price of crude makes up about half the price of gasoline at the pump in the U.S., and prices could go even higher as the summer driving season gets under way.