OPEC Says Russia Will Not Be Excluded From Group

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud has responded to questioning on 'why Russia has not been excluded from OPEC.'

• Al Saud said: 'Who’s being throwing these rockets and missiles at us and Abu Dhabi! Who’s financing, who’s training, who’s supplying weapons is a member of OPEC!'
• The remarks maintain an assertion that OPEC is not a political entity and does not make decision based upon political allegiances. Although not mentioned by name, Al Saud is referring to fellow OPEC member Iran who is accused of supporting the Houthi rebels in Yemen and engaging in a proxy war with Saudi Arabia.
• The remarks come at an OPEC industry event amidst increased speculation that some members of OPEC may be pushing against Russia's membership.
• Al Saud: 'Opec members have always managed to compartmentalise our political differences and work towards the common good. So when we get into that meeting room, everybody leaves their politics outside the door of that building.'
• UAE energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei: 'We have one mission, which is stabilising the market. We cannot be politicising or bringing politics into the organisation and having that debate. There are other entities, or other ministries that are in charge of that.'