Oil prices recover, Russia says 'doors not closed' for cooperation

Saudi Aramco to boost crude oil supply to 12.3 million barrels per day in April

Virus Outbreak Mideast Stock [File] An Emirati trader checks the stocks on the screen at the Dubai Financial Market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AP

Two days after Saudi Arabia kicked off a price war offensive against Moscow, Russian Energy Minster Alexander Novak on Tuesday said his government remained open to further cooperation with OPEC to stabilise the oil market. "I want to say the doors aren't closed," Novak told the state-run Rossiya 24 television network. 

Meanwhile, stock markets in the energy-rich Gulf states made a strong rebound in opening trade Tuesday, led by the Saudi bourse which jumped 5.6 per cent, as oil prices bounced after heavy losses. Energy giant Aramco, which dominates the Saudi Tadawul market, gained 5.5 per cent after a series of sessions in the red where it tumbled below the price where it listed last December. 

The lack of agreement with OPEC on extending production cuts "does not mean that in the future we can't cooperate with OPEC and non-OPEC countries". "If necessary we have various tools, including reduction and increasing production," Novak said, adding that new agreements can be reached. "We have planned the next meetings in May or June to assess the situation on the market. We have potential for growth in production. I think in the short-term we can increase by 200-300,000 barrels (per day) with the prospect of 500,000 barrels, that's in the near future." He added that Russia is competitive on the world markets because of low production costs.

Russia refused to agree to a proposal by OPEC ministers led by Saudi Arabia for a drastic cut of 1.5 million barrels per day, with Russian oil companies fearing loss of market share and of competitiveness against US shale production. 

Saudi Arabia responded on Sunday with the biggest cut in its prices of the past 20 years in a bid to win market share. Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco said it would boost its supply of crude oil to 12.3 million barrels per day in April, flooding markets as it escalates a price war with Russia. 

Russia, the world's second largest oil producer, also saw the ruble fall heavily in value against the dollar and euro to levels last seen in early 2016.

(With agency inputs)

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