Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Saudis to Boost Oil Output to Record Level

Kingdom aims to stabilize prices to protect oil market

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2008 6:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Saudi Arabia aims to put the brakes on oil prices by raising output to its highest ever, the New York Times reports. The kingdom resisted calls from President Bush earlier this year to boost production, but is now concerned that record oil prices could lead to lower demand in the long term by cutting economic growth and making alternative fuels more viable.

News of the Saudi plans sent the price of oil down by nearly $2 yesterday. Some analysts, however, think the move could backfire on the Saudis or doubt the kingdom has the capacity to raise production much higher. The move could put Saudi Arabia at odds with its OPEC partners, who blame speculation and the weak dollar instead of supplies for the price of oil.

A derrick pumps in a oil field  near the Saudi Arabian border in this file photo. Insiders say the kingdom is planning to raise its production to stabilize the price of oil.
A derrick pumps in a oil field near the Saudi Arabian border in this file photo. Insiders say the kingdom is planning to raise its production to stabilize the price of oil.   (Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has organized a major gathering of oil producers and consumers to address the causes behind rising oil prices.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has organized a major gathering of oil producers and consumers to address the causes behind rising oil prices.   (AP Photo/Saudi Press Agency, HO)
In this Friday, March 21, 2008 file photo, a Saudi Arabian man fills his vehicle's tank at a gas station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In this Friday, March 21, 2008 file photo, a Saudi Arabian man fills his vehicle's tank at a gas station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.   (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Iran to OPEC: Don't Grab Our Oil Sales

Saudi Heir to Throne Dies

Saudi Female Driver Won't Be Lashed

Saudi Women Get Right to Vote

Saudi King Was Popping Viagra at 92


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne