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Riyadh defended the decision to limit oil production, saying the move was aimed at stabilizing the oil market, not pushing up prices.
Washington DC – Democrats in U.S. Congress are rallying against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Oil production cutsand called on President Joe Biden to pressure the Gulf partners to reverse their decision.
OPEC+, bringing together the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers (i.e. Russia), restrictions announced The move this week could push up gasoline prices for U.S. consumers ahead of the crucial midterm elections.
The prospect has sparked criticism of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi — key OPEC+ players — especially Democrats, who could suffer politically from rising fuel costs.
Three Democratic congressmen also introduced a request to withdraw U.S. troops and missile defense systems in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The measure is unlikely to pass, but it underscores growing frustration in Washington.
U.S. Representatives Tom Malinowski, Sean Carsten and Susan Wilder described the oil production cuts as “an act of hostility toward the United States and a clear signal that [Saudi Arabia and the UAE] chose to side with Russia in the war against Ukraine”.
“Both countries have long relied on the US military presence in the Gulf to protect their security and oil fields,” they said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
“We see no reason for the U.S. military and contractors to continue to provide this service to countries that actively oppose us. If Saudi Arabia and the UAE want to help [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, they should seek his defense. “
Congressman Matt Cartwright, Democrat of Pennsylvania, also expressed support for the bill, saying the production cuts would “empower Putin.” “As a country, we need to reassess our relationship with Saudi Arabia and remind them who the superpower is,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
OPEC+ said on Wednesday it had reached an agreement to cut oil output by 2 million barrels a day, a decision that UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said was “technical, not political.”
The announcement spurred a rally in global oil prices, which have been hitting 20 percent in recent months. record level After Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
The oil group said the decision was made “in light of the uncertain outlook for the global economy and oil markets, as well as the need to strengthen long-term guidance on oil markets”.
Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg on Wednesday Amid global economic uncertainty, production cuts are a positive measure to stabilize markets, including rate hike and the prospect of a global recession.
The Saudi minister also stressed that the aim was not to “raise” prices. “It’s not on our radar, our [aim] is to make sure we maintain the market,” he said.
some of saudi arabia Supporters also argue The security relationship between Washington and Riyadh is mutually beneficial—not a favor of the United States.
Still, many U.S. Democrats see the oil cuts as a minor blow to Washington, especially after just a few months Biden visits Saudi Arabia and met with its top leaders, including the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
White House ‘disappointed’ over layoffs, but Biden denied Thursday Visit in July To the kingdom is about oil.
“This trip is not essentially about oil. This trip is about the Middle East, about Israel and rationalizing positions,” he said.
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