Which countries are the 'OPEC+' major producers that decided to keep October oil production unchanged, and what was their stated reason?

The seven 'OPEC+' major producers that decided to keep October oil production unchanged are Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. They held an online meeting on October 6 to assess the current state and outlook of the global oil market, and announced their decision to maintain output at September levels 'to safeguard market stability' — a commitment explicitly reaffirmed in the OPEC statement.

What is the significance of this decision in the context of the 'OPEC+' production policy timeline since April 2025?

This decision marks the first pause in the coordinated production increases that began in April 2025, when eight countries — including the UAE (now exited) — agreed to gradually raise output starting April 1. After monthly increases through December 2025, a seasonal pause occurred from January to March 2026; production resumed in April 2026, continued in May, and then halted again in October — making this the second pause overall, but the first since the resumption of hikes in April 2026.

OPEC+ Major Producers Decide to Keep October Oil Production Unchanged

Sep 7, 2026

Seven OPEC+ major producers decided to keep October crude oil output unchanged from September levels to stabilize the market. This marks the first pause in production increases since April.

ccin

2026-04-22

OPEC Downgrades Q2 Global Oil Demand Forecast

2026-04-29

OPEC+ Likely to Agree Another Oil Output Hike Without UAE, Sources Say

2026-04-29

Russia says OPEC+ will continue after UAE exit, no price war expected

2026-04-30

OPEC+ Delegates Expect Another Symbolic Supply Hike Without UAE

2026-05-02

OPEC+ Agrees in Principle on Small Output Hike