Organisation Of Petroleum Exporting Countries News

The Paris-based International Energy Agency has welcomed OPEC's decision not to make any further cuts in production. Despite a steep fall in oil prices since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries today rejected the option of lowering its target for the seventh time this year. "A further cut would simply have added uncertainty to an already uncertain market," said Robert Priddle, executive director of the IEA. Priddle described the OPEC stance as a display of moderation. He also expressed appreciation of statements by OPEC countries and by the Organization's Secretary General, which have pledged to keep oil flowing to consuming countries in the event of any supply disruption.