OPEC chief says rising infections may delay oil recovery

LONDON: OPEC's secretary general said on Monday an oil market recovery may take longer than hoped as coronavirus inflections rise around the world, and OPEC and its allies would "stay the course" in balancing the market.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia made a record oil output cut in April as the pandemic hit demand. They are scheduled to increase output in January as part of a gradual easing of supply curbs.

OPEC's Mohammad Barkindo, asked at the virtual India Energy Forum by CERAWeek if the second wave of the virus required any changes to OPEC+ strategy, said hopes earlier this year of a demand rebound had been disappointed.

"We were hopeful the second half of 2020 would begin to see a recovery," Barkindo said. "Unfortunately, both the economic growth and demand recovery remain anaemic at the moment due largely to the virus."

"We remain cautiously optimistic that the recovery will continue. It may take longer, maybe at lower levels, but we are determined to stay the course," Barkindo added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking last Thursday, did not rule out extending the oil cuts for longer if market conditions warranted.

Barkindo said producers did not expect a renewed oil-price collapse as seen in the second quarter, when oil hit historic lows with US crude briefly trading in negative territory.

OPEC+ producers had met an average of 100% of their supply cut commitments and would continue to implement the curbs so that inventories fall further, Barkindo said.

"We are determined to assist the market to restore stability by ensuring that the stock drawdowns continue."