According to the source, G7 representatives at the 9th International Energy Forum in Amsterdam are to send an address to the OPEC leadership with a demand for "an increase in oil (production) quotas to stabilize world energy markets." The address will emphasize "the positive and constructive role of Saudi Arabia who suggested that the total average output and exports of eleven OPEC member states should be increased by more than 2 million barrels per day." This move of Saudi Arabia, the largest producer and exporter of crude oil in the cartel, has not so far been embraced by all other member states, while such principal decisions are to be adopted only unanimously (a final decision is postponed until the next meeting in Beirut on July 3).
U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham after talks with Saudi Arabian Minister of Oil Ali bin Ibrahim al-Naimi said that he firmly backed the suggestion.
Abraham said that the U.S. favored Saudi Arabia's intention to increase oil production to 9 million bpd from June on.
He urged all OPEC member states to take decisive measures to curb oil prices.
The American secretary also said that the U.S. would go on in its talks with Riyadh to specify Saudi Arabia's capacity to raise oil output.
Abraham also pointed out al-Naimi's Saturday's declaration that Saudi Arabia can raise output up to 10.5 mln bpd if necessary.
