What was the total increase in OPEC's crude oil production in July, and which countries drove this gain?

OPEC’s crude oil production increased by 1.16 million barrels a day in July to an average of 19.44 million barrels a day, with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq accounting for almost all of the gains—specifically, Iraq added 460,000 bpd, Kuwait added 360,000 bpd, and Saudi Arabia added 390,000 bpd.

Why is tracking OPEC’s actual output especially difficult right now, and how are exporters adapting?

Tracking OPEC’s output is complicated by opaque shipping data due to wartime disruptions—including reduced visible tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—and exporters are adapting by using tankers with transponders switched off to avoid detection, then transferring cargoes to other vessels in safer areas for onward transport to international markets.

OPEC Output Rose in July Led by Gulf Nations, Survey Shows

Aug 4, 2026

OPEC crude oil production rose by 1.16 million barrels per day in July, led by gains in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. This supply increase helped cool prices below $80 per barrel despite persistent shipping disruptions in the region.

bloomberg

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