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Oil Prices Slide 4% After OPEC+ Shifts 2026 Outlook to a Balanced Market

IEA projections point to rising global oil inventories in 2026.

Overview

  • Brent and WTI fell roughly 3% to 4% for their biggest one-day drop in nearly a month, with benchmarks closing at multi-week lows.
  • OPEC’s monthly report now expects 2026 supply to meet demand, with implied figures showing a marginal surplus if October output rates persist.
  • After adding about 2.9 million barrels per day since April, OPEC+ has paused planned production increases for the first quarter of 2026.
  • The IEA’s World Energy Outlook says oil and gas demand could keep growing to 2050 but also signals a 2.6 million‑barrel build in global oil stocks next year.
  • Shares of major oil producers fell alongside crude, with declines reported for Chevron, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP, Shell and others.