### OPEC+ Maintains Steady Oil Output Amidst Internal and Geopolitical Turmoil OPEC+ has decided to keep its oil production levels unchanged during a recent meeting held on January 4, 2026. This decision comes in the context of significant political tensions among member countries, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as external pressures such as the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The group aims to prioritize market stability over immediate production adjustments, reflecting a cautious approach in a complex geopolitical landscape. Notably, oil prices have seen a decline of over 18% in 2025, prompting the need for a steady output to avoid exacerbating market oversupply concerns [https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/05/opec-keeps-oil-output-steady-amid-turmoil-among-members, https://www.arise.tv/opec-holds-oil-output-steady-amid-member-crises-market-turmoil]. ### OPEC+ Decision Structure and Context 1. **Meeting Overview**: OPEC+ held a brief meeting where the decision to maintain oil output was made without delving into the political crises affecting its members. 2. **Geopolitical Context**: The decision reflects the group's strategy to navigate internal discord, particularly between key players like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while also considering external geopolitical challenges. 3. **Market Conditions**: The group is responding to a significant drop in oil prices and concerns over global oversupply, which have influenced their cautious stance on production levels. 4. **Future Outlook**: OPEC+ aims to balance production levels with market demand, indicating a focus on stability in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions [https://www.tekedia.com/opec-holds-output-steady-as-geopolitics-eclipse-market-fundamentals-and-oil-prices-sink, https://thearabianpost.com/opec-sidesteps-geopolitics-as-oil-output-stays-steady]. ### Supporting Evidence and Market Data - **Oil Price Decline**: In 2025, oil prices fell by more than **18%**, marking the steepest annual drop since 2020, which has raised concerns about oversupply in the market [https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/04/opec-keeps-oil-output-steady-amid-turmoil-among-members.html]. - **Political Tensions**: The internal strife includes significant political issues, such as the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, which complicates the dynamics within OPEC+ [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3749443-opec-holds-steady-amid-political-turmoil-a-balancing-act]. - **Production Strategy**: OPEC+ has opted for a strategy of maintaining steady output levels through the first quarter of 2026, citing seasonal demand softness and a balanced market as key factors [https://investinglive.com/commodities/opec-holds-output-steady-as-geopolitical-tensions-rise-20260104]. ### Conclusion: OPEC+ Navigates Complex Challenges with Steady Output In summary, OPEC+ has chosen to maintain its oil output levels amidst a backdrop of significant internal and geopolitical challenges. The decision reflects a strategic approach to ensure market stability while navigating complex political landscapes. Key findings include: 1. **Steady Output Decision**: OPEC+ has decided to keep oil production unchanged to avoid exacerbating market oversupply and to stabilize prices. 2. **Geopolitical Considerations**: The group is sidestepping discussions on political tensions among members, focusing instead on market conditions. 3. **Market Response**: The decision comes in response to a notable decline in oil prices, indicating a need for cautious management of production levels moving forward. This approach underscores OPEC+'s commitment to balancing production with market demand while addressing the challenges posed by internal discord and external geopolitical pressures [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2026/01/04/opec-to-keep-oil-output-steady-despite-turmoil-among-members].