UAE Denies Political Rift Behind OPEC Exit

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has described its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ as a strategic and sovereign decision based on a reassessment of its production policy and future capacity. Energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei made the statement on Saturday via the social network X.

Al-Mazrouei denied that the move was politically motivated or that it represents a rift with partners within the oil cartel. "It is not driven by political considerations, nor does it reflect any division between the UAE and its partners", he wrote.

Abu Dhabi announced in late April that it would leave the grouping from 1 May. The decision comes at a time of an unprecedented energy crisis caused by the war with Iran, which has also heightened tensions between Gulf states.

The departure of one of the largest producing countries weakens OPEC's influence on global oil supplies and deepens differences between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, widely regarded as the dominant force within the organization.

(reuters, bak)