The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+, a move that could reshape global oil market coordination during ongoing disruption linked to the Iran war.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said the decision, effective May 1, followed a review of national production strategy and long-term energy policy. He confirmed the move was taken independently, without consultation with other member states.

“This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of ⁠production,” said the energy minister.

The exit raises questions over cohesion within producer alliances traditionally led by Saudi Arabia, particularly as supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz—a key global energy chokepoint—remain under threat.

Separately, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, criticised Gulf allies’ political and military response to recent Iranian attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly criticised OPEC over oil pricing.

ℹ️ Reuters

View this post on Instagram

Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh