Crude Oil Prices Rise as OPEC+ Plans Small Output Hike, Russia Sanctions Loom

Oil prices climbed in Asian trading on September 09, 2025, after OPEC+ announced a smaller-than-expected production increase. This eased concerns about a supply glut.

Brent crude for November delivery rose 0.2% to $66.17 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.3% to $62.03.

Russia Sanctions in Focus

Western nations are considering stricter sanctions on Russia’s oil industry after Moscow carried out its largest air attack on Ukraine over the weekend.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was prepared to escalate measures against Russia and would soon discuss the issue with European leaders. However, past deadlines for sanctions have often passed without action.

Trump also recently imposed 50% tariffs on India’s Russian oil imports, but India has resisted cutting purchases. China, another major buyer, has not faced similar penalties.

OPEC+ Keeps Hike Modest

OPEC+ agreed to increase production by 137,000 barrels per day in October, a sharp slowdown compared to hikes of over 500,000 bpd in previous months.

This cautious move suggests the cartel is concerned about oversupply, especially as non-OPEC+ countries like the U.S. continue producing heavily. Still, the group has been steadily raising output throughout 2025 to maintain market share.

Also Read: Best Oil and Gas Stocks in India in August 2025!

Dollar Weakness Helps Oil

A weaker U.S. dollar also supported oil prices. Soft U.S. jobs data increased expectations of a September interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, making oil cheaper for holders of other currencies.

Conclusion

Oil markets are currently supported by OPEC+’s cautious output hike and a weaker U.S. dollar. However, rising geopolitical tensions and potential Russian sanctions could drive further volatility.

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