Russia says reaching oil output freeze deal not critical: RIA

MOSCOW: Reaching an agreement to stabilise global oil prices, including a possible deal to freeze output, is "non-critical" for Russia, its Energy Minister Alexander Novak was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying on Sunday.

"For us, in principle, it's non-critical, but we believe that the process of market rebalancing could be advanced. It's beneficial for all," RIA quoted Novak as saying.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will meet on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum in Algeria from Sept. 26-28, where they will discuss a possible output-limiting deal.