NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The United Arab Emirates said it will leave OPEC on May 1, ending nearly six decades in the group and giving itself more freedom to raise oil output. The move matters because the UAE is one of the few Gulf producers with significant spare capacity, so its decision raises new questions about future cartel discipline and the direction of global supply.
OPEC has listed the UAE as a member since 1967. In recent years, the country has remained part of OPEC+'s supply management, even as Abu Dhabi has pushed for more room to expand production and investment.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has said the UAE was producing just under 3 million barrels a day on average under OPEC+ limits, while ADNOC (the state-owned energy company of Abu Dhabi and the main oil producer in the United Arab Emirates) has been working toward 5 million barrels a day of production capacity by 2027.
That does not mean a flood of new oil arrives overnight. But it does give the UAE more flexibility to respond to prices, demand, and regional shipping risk on its own terms.
The broader signal is strategic. If a major low-cost producer decides that national interests matter more than quota discipline, the future cohesion of OPEC+ becomes harder to take for granted.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A more independent UAE could add long-term pressure and volatility to energy markets, affecting fuel and fertilizer costs.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
President Trump has long supported a direct line from Alberta’s oil fields to the Midwest.
October 13, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
October 09, 2025 05:10 PM
·
Searches for “struggle meal” hit a record high in September, and #strugglemeals posts are climbing on Instagram and TikTok, reflecting a wave of budget-cooking content.
October 09, 2025 03:14 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.
October 09, 2025 01:29 PM
·
Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
October 08, 2025 12:57 PM
·
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
