Oil production within the OPEC+ alliance increased by approximately 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, primarily driven by a significant boost in Saudi Arabia’s output, according to the latest monthly report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The group, which includes OPEC members and allied producers such as Russia, averaged 39.07 million bpd last month, marking a rise from August figures.

Saudi Arabia, the largest producer within the group, reported an output of 8.372 million bpd in September, a surge of over 2 million bpd compared to the previous month. This increase came amid efforts by Saudi Aramco to ramp up shipments from Gulf export terminals, aiming to offset delivery disruptions caused by a recent attack on the East-West pipeline. The pipeline strike had hindered transportation through the Red Sea, prompting a strategic shift to boost capacity at alternative export points.

Despite this recovery in Saudi oil production and overall OPEC+ output, shipments from the Middle East have yet to return to levels seen before the conflict involving Iran that has affected regional transit routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing disruptions continue to challenge the stability and flow of oil exports in the area.

The September output figures reflect a partial rebound in oil supplies from a region critical to global energy markets. However, uncertainties remain due to geopolitical tensions and vulnerabilities in key infrastructure that influence supply chains and market dynamics.