Petrol costs and global inflation on the up as OPEC keeps oil curbs

THE prospect of higher petrol prices and increased global inflation are coming into view as the OPEC+ group of oil producing countries decide to hold production at nine million barrels a day for the rest of the year.

This is the stark warning from Nigel Green, the founder of deVere Group, an independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisation, as Saudi Arabia announced it would maintain its production cut of one million barrels a day until December.

This maintains the country’s output at nine million barrels a day, the lowest amount in several years. Russia has also confirmed it would maintain its own cutback of 300,000 barrels a day for the same period.

Nigel Green (left) comments:

“OPEC+ is ramping up petrol price pain, triggering fresh and increasing concerns about rising global inflation – which was just beginning to ease – meaning central banks could possibly push higher-for-longer interest rates.”

He continues: “Restricted oil supply leads to higher oil prices, which, in turn, can contribute to higher fuel prices for consumers and businesses, putting upward pressure on overall inflation.

“Higher energy costs also lead to increased production costs for companies, which are typically passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, again contributing to inflationary pressures.”

Consumer behaviour also plays a role. When fuel prices rise, consumers may cut back on discretionary spending, which can impact economic activity. Reduced consumer spending can influence inflation dynamics, especially in sectors heavily dependent on consumer demand.

“This move by OPEC+ will, of course, be considered by central banks when formulating monetary policy.

“If rising oil prices are expected to have a sustained impact on inflation, central banks can be expected to maintain higher interest rates for longer to control soaring prices.”

The deVere Group founder concludes: “The decision by the group of oil producing countries will further exacerbate the cost-of-living and cost-of-business crisis as inflation is given another global boost.”