International oil markets were caught by surprise when the OPEC+ ministers unanimously approved the production cut initiated by Saudi Arabia and Russia to continue curbing output. The move was further strengthened in mid-July 2023 when OPEC+ ministers met and reaffirmed their commitment to work an output management that would lead to a stable market and adequate supply of oil for the consumers. Major market players; companies, hedge fund managers, and Central Banks welcomed the decision and agreed that upon full recovery of the demand side from the pandemic, markets would welcome back the OPEC+ to retain its traditional role as the energy Central Bank of the world.
