Saudi Arabia cuts oil output to lowest since 1990, Brent tops $100

September 11, 2026 at 10:56 AM2 min

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Saudi Arabia cut oil production by about 1.9 million barrels per day in August 2026 to 6.238 million barrels, the lowest monthly level since 1990. Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel as the drop in output from OPEC's largest exporter heightened concerns about global supply shortages. The cut was linked to Middle East tensions and threats to shipping from Yemen's Houthis.

Key Facts

Saudi Arabia's August 2026 oil output fell to 6.238 million barrels per day, the lowest monthly level since 1990.
Production dropped by about 1.9 million barrels per day, or roughly 23%, compared with July.
Saudi oil exports fell to about 3.1 million barrels per day in August, the lowest level since at least 2013.
Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel after the production cut.
The cut was linked to Middle East tensions and threats to shipping from Yemen's Houthis.

Production Cut

Saudi Arabia reduced oil production by about 1.9 million barrels per day in August 2026 to 6.238 million barrels per day. This is the lowest monthly output since 1990, according to data the kingdom submitted to the OPEC secretariat. Compared with July, production fell by approximately 23%. The decline is attributed to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East and threats to shipping from Yemen's Houthis. Problems with export routes forced Saudi Arabia to limit production.

Market Impact

Saudi oil exports abroad fell to about 3.1 million barrels per day in August, the lowest level since at least 2013. The sharp drop in production by OPEC's largest exporter heightened concerns about a shortage of raw materials on the global market. Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel. For Kazakhstan, which participates in the OPEC+ agreement, rising world oil prices could mean an increase in export revenue. At the same time, supply instability and sharp price fluctuations increase risks for the budget and oil companies.