Biden Administration Downplays Effect of Surprise OPEC+ Production Cuts

Biden Administration Downplays Effect of Surprise OPEC+ Production Cuts
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby speaks during a daily press briefing at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House on March 21, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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The Biden administration is downplaying the effect of the surprise decision by OPEC+ to continue production cuts, insisting that the situation is different than last year.

This response contrasts the administration’s stance in October 2022, when President Joe Biden threatened consequences for Saudi Arabia after the OPEC+ cut. The administration’s current response was outlined by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby at an April 5 White House briefing.