Oil Prices Plunge as OPEC+ Boosts Output Amid Nigeria’s Fuel Crisis

OPEC+ Decision Rocks Markets
Oil markets reeled yesterday as Brent crude prices dropped to $67.68 per barrel following OPEC+’s decision to increase September production by 547,000 barrels per day. This move completely reverses the group’s earlier 2.2 million b/d voluntary cuts, citing strong summer demand and low global inventories.

Nigeria’s Painful Contrast
While global prices decline, Nigerian consumers face worsening fuel crises:

• NNPC retail stations now sell petrol above N900/litre

• The drop threatens Nigeria’s $75/barrel fiscal projections

• Nation remains excluded from key producer decisions

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Production Gains Amid Challenges
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported July production crossed 1.8 million barrels per day, with averages at 1.78 MMBOPD. NUPRC’s CEO highlighted progress through collaborative stakeholder efforts under the “1 MMBOPD Incremental initiative.”

Market Reactions
Energy analysts express concern over:
→ Nigeria’s absence from production decisions
→ Growing disparity between global and local prices
→ Potential budget shortfalls from price volatility

What’s Next
As OPEC+ continues its output expansion, all eyes remain on how Nigeria will navigate both its domestic fuel crisis and changing global oil dynamics.