OPEC, Russia nearing accord on long term oil supply coordination: Nikkei

OPEC and other producers including Russia are in final talks for an agreement, that may be signed in early July, to cooperate on oil supplies on a long-term basis, Japan’s Nikkei reported, citing Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak.

Novak also told the Nikkei that discussions with OPEC on moving the date of the meeting to early July from the originally-planned dates of June 25-26 were nearly finalised. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other producers have since January 1 implemented a deal to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day to support prices.

The alliance, known as “OPEC+”, was due to meet on June 25-26 or in early July to decide whether to extend the pact. A proposal to create a formal body was abandoned earlier this year after the U.S. Congress started moves to legislate against cartels in the oil industry.