Oil prices rise after OPEC announces first output cut since 2008

Oil prices rise after OPEC announces first output cut since 2008
By Euronews

OPEC has agreed to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008.

OPEC has agreed to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008.

The major oil producing nations struck a preliminary deal at talks in Algeria to address the vastly oversupplied market and prop up prices.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, rose almost six percent to nearly $49 a barrel on the news.

The move lifted the currencies of crude-producing countries and sent share indexes rising with energy shares leading the way.

A slump in oil prices has caused steep earnings losses for energy companies for several quarters.

Past attempts to reach an output deal have been complicated by political rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh had said it would only cut if other oil producers followed suit.

Iran had argued it needed exemptions until its production recovers after the lifting of EU sanctions.

How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November.

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