White House blasts Opec saying it is ‘aligning with Russia’ after oil production cut announcement
The White House had searing words for the oil-producing nations of Opec+ on Wednesday following news that the bloc would cut oil production by 2m barrels per day.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Karine Jean-Pierre called the decision “short-sighted” and a “mistake”, while adding that it showed a clear decision by the trading bloc to line up against the US and the west.
“It’s clear that Opec+ is aligning with Russia with today’s announcement,” she told reporters.
Ms Jean-Pierre did not go as far as to call it a “hostile act” following a question from a reporter, but reiterated that it was a mistake and on its face made in Opec’s own self-interest.
The White House also announced in a separate, longer statement released to journalists that it would be exploring avenues through Congress to respond to the production cut while working to further boost domestic production.
Ms Jean-Pierre said that another shipment of oil from the strategic reserve would be released to the market next month.
