The United States had been pushing for the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as Opec+, not to cut output as it tries to keep energy prices down amid the disruption of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “What we’ve been clear about is the need for energy supply to meet demand.... When it comes to Opec, we’ve made clear our views to Opec members,” Blinken said at a press conference during a visit to Chile. Asked if he was disappointed in US ally and Opec member Saudi Arabia, Blinken said Washington has a “multiplicity of interests with regard to Saudi Arabia”. “I think what we’re seeing is that if they continue down this road, it will only increase condemnation, increase the isolation, increase the steps that are taken in response to their actions,” he said.
