Russian diplomat: China may have expressed concern to Gulf states over UAE's exit from OPEC
¬ Russian diplomat: US-Israel aggression against Iran led to UAE's exit from OPEC
¬ Russian deputy prime minister: Russia has no intention of leaving OPEC+
¬ Expert: UAE's exit from OPEC could prompt other countries to follow suit
¬ Expert: UAE’s exit from OPEC may threaten international energy price stability
+
Vladimir Zakharov, a Russian diplomat, said in an interview with TASS that China may have already conveyed concerns to Persian Gulf states regarding the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC and suggested that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil tankers heading to China to pass through.
The expert noted that Beijing is a major importer of oil from the UAE and other Gulf states, making this situation directly relevant to Beijing.
"I believe Beijing has already communicated its concerns through diplomatic channels to these countries and proposed to Iran’s leadership that the Strait of Hormuz be opened to allow oil tankers bound for China to pass," Zakharov said.
+
In an interview with TASS, Russian diplomat Vladimir Zakharov stated that due to the military-political crisis triggered by U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran, the UAE experienced a sharp decline in oil and gas revenues, leading to its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
He explained that in response to the aggression, Iran attacked U.S. military bases and local oil and gas processing facilities in Arab countries across the Gulf region. Zakharov pointed out that both Iranian and U.S. military forces have blockaded the Strait of Hormuz.
"As a result, infrastructure and logistics for hydrocarbon supply were disrupted, causing a drastic drop in the UAE’s oil and gas revenues, which prompted this unusual decision," he said.
"Regrettably, the UAE made this decision unilaterally without consulting other members," he added.
Earlier, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei confirmed that the country will exit OPEC on May 1, 2026. The UAE has been a member since 1967—spanning 59 years. OPEC currently controls 36% of global oil production and nearly 80% of proven reserves.
According to OPEC sources, the UAE’s daily oil output was approximately 3.4 million barrels in January and February 2026. However, in March, production facilities were damaged due to missile and drone attacks, reducing output to 2.1 million barrels.
Additionally, the UAE will also exit the OPEC+ group established in 2016. Besides OPEC’s 12 core members, this coalition includes 10 other major oil-producing countries such as Russia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.
+
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters that Russia, as a major oil producer, has no intention of leaving OPEC+ and considers the mechanism effective and beneficial for the oil market.
On April 28, the UAE officially announced it would exit OPEC and OPEC+ starting May 1, gradually increasing its oil production. According to OPEC sources speaking to TASS, the organization had not previously been aware of the UAE’s intent to withdraw.
During the Caucasus Investment Forum, Novak commented on the question of exiting OPEC+ to journalists: "As a major oil-producing country, our nation has no intention of leaving this cooperative mechanism."
When asked whether Russia and Saudi Arabia had discussed the UAE’s withdrawal, Novak replied: "At least we have never discussed these issues."
He concluded: "We believe that OPEC+ effectively mitigates risks in the oil market during crises, helps maintain a positive investment strategy, industry development prospects, and ongoing cooperation among nations. Therefore, we will continue working together."
The Caucasus Investment Forum took place in Mineralnye Vody, Russia, from April 28 to 30.
+
The UAE’s unilateral decision to exit OPEC without consultation with partner countries could trigger similar actions by other nations. This comment was made by Russian diplomat Vladimir Zakharov in an interview with TASS regarding the UAE’s current situation.
Zakharov emphasized that the UAE’s exit from OPEC was a solitary decision, made without any consultation with other members.
"This will complicate coordination among oil-exporting nations and may lead other partners to take similar actions, while also disrupting the predictability and stability of international energy prices," he said.
+
Russian diplomat Vladimir Zakharov said in an interview with TASS that the UAE’s unilateral decision to leave OPEC without prior consultation with other members would complicate coordination among oil-exporting countries and potentially undermine the stability of international energy prices.
According to the official UAE news agency WAM, the UAE will exit both OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1. The UAE Foreign Ministry described the move as a strategic decision based on long-term economic vision. Meanwhile, TASS cited sources from an OPEC delegation stating that the organization had not previously been informed of Abu Dhabi’s plans.
Zakharov said: "This will complicate coordination among oil-exporting nations and may lead other partners to take similar actions, while also disrupting the predictability and stability of international energy prices."
The diplomat linked the UAE’s current budget difficulties to the military-political situation caused by U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran.
He explained that Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf targets and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led to disruptions in oil and gas supplies, resulting in a sharp decline in the UAE’s revenues. Zakharov believes this situation forced Abu Dhabi to make the "unusual" decision to unilaterally exit OPEC.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863906699451463/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone