According to a Reuters source, The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has in fact reached a deal that will “limit” oil production, and oil prices are in for a wild ride yet again as a result.

What was reported as mere rumor this morning, is apparently now a certainty. Reuters had reported this morning that OPEC may announce an output freeze deal later today, as part of the informal talks on the matter on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum, but details of the deal would be withheld until November.

The market was already moving upward on the back of this morning’s EIA report, which reported a draw in crude oil inventories of 1.9 million barrels—the fourth draw in a week. The news that there is a deal—any deal—will send prices higher.

(Click to enlarge)

Image source: Zerohedge.com

The 32.5 million bpd production “limit” that OPEC reportedly agreed upon, of course, could be difficult to achieve as OPEC's August output amounted 33.24 million bpd — altogether, this output limit is unlikely to do much in the way of structurally stabilizing prices. In all likelihood, a final deal would include some concessions for Iran, who has dug in their heels on the issue of ramping up oil production to previous levels. And any deal certainly does not yet include an agreement from Russia, who is producing oil in record quantities.

On top of those unknowns, the deal will not be executed for a couple of months, so in the meantime, Iran, Russia, and Saudi Arabia—along with Libya and Nigeria who are ramping up production—will be adding to today’s supply glut, with US inventory draws remaining insufficient to rebalance the equation.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: