Western nations have asked Saudi Arabia and the UAE to increase output
Letter from the Middle East: Buyers call for more
Western countries want Mideast Gulf producers to boost output, but the options are limited
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put many Middle Eastern countries in a tricky position politically, but it has reinforced their centrality to the global energy economy. Mideast Gulf countries complain that Western leaders only visit when they need them. They bemoan a lack of support over attacks on energy infrastructure emanating from the Houthi forces in Yemen, and the Biden administration’s pursuit of a renewed deal with Iran. As the only two Opec+ members with substantial spare oil production capacity, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been implored by the US, Germany and the UK to raise output. Both are engaged in multi-year expansion programmes. Riyadh responded coldly that it would not be
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
