UAE Boosts Oil Output to Record Levels After OPEC Departure

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is aggressively moving volumes to market, utilizing discounted tenders to offload crude to a diverse range of buyers. Traders report that Chinese teapot refineries have entered the bidding process for the first time, attracted by pricing that now competes directly with Iranian and Russian supplies. Beyond Asia, some ADNOC shipments are flowing to the U.S. West Coast, as private negotiations open new pathways for regional barrels.

This production rebound arrives as global sentiment shifts from supply-chain anxiety to concerns over a potential market surplus. Brent crude prices have retreated to approximately $72 per barrel, nearing pre-conflict levels seen before the Iran war. While other Gulf producers—including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq—have also increased exports following the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE remains the most aggressive in scaling operations. Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei maintains that the exit from the cartel was a necessary step to honor commitments to investors and meet global demand without artificial constraints.