The reason is the cut in oil production by OPEC+; measure could raise fuel prices in the US
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday (Oct 11, 2022) that President Joe Biden “will continue to reevaluate” the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia.
The measure comes after OPEC+ (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies), a group of the world’s largest producers led by Saudi Arabia, announced last Wednesday (Oct 5) that it will cut oil production by 2 million of barrels per day. The reduction is the largest ever made since 2020.
According to Kirby, the reassessment will consider “if the relationship [entre os dois países] is where it needs to be and is serving national security interests.”. the statements were given in an interview with the program “New Day”gives CNN North-American.
At the time, the spokesman also said that Biden is willing to work with the US Congress. “to think about how this relationship should be from now on”.
The US Executive and Legislature are considering passing a law that seeks to reduce OPEC+’s control over energy prices. Kirby also said that the American leader is open to discussing proposals made by congressmen against Saudi Arabia, such as restricting security cooperation between nations.
After the cut announcement, the White House said the decision meant that OPEC+ was lining up and favoring Russia, as the trend is for falling production to drive up the price of oil.
The rise in values goes against the interests of the US and the European Union. In the American case, it can also affect the popularity of Biden and the Democratic congressmen. That would hurt the party in the US midterm election scheduled for November 8.
USA AND SAUDI ARABIA
Biden sought to improve relations with the Saudis after taking over the US presidency. In July 2022, the US president even met with the Saudi crown prince, Mohamed bin Salman, in his 1st tour across the Middle East.
At the time, he stated that the US would continue to be an active and engaged partner in the region. Biden traveled to Saudi Arabia seeking to strike a deal on oil production to help bring down the price of gasoline. However, the president failed to complete the objective.
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