Russia is ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia and the United States to cut oil production, President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
Putin said Russia was willing to make agreements within the framework of the OPEC+ group and that “we are ready for cooperation with the United States of America on this issue,” according to a statement published by the Kremlin.
“I believe that it is necessary to combine efforts in order to balance the market and reduce production.”
Oil prices have tumbled in recent weeks in the face of a drop in demand and global economic uncertainty over the new coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past month, two of the world’s biggest oil producers have been in dispute about how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Demand collapsed after airlines grounded their planes, factories shut their doors and countries imposed travel bans.
Crude prices fell further when Saudi Arabia and Russia could not agree on cutting supplies to try and force prices higher.
United States President Donald Trump now suggests both sides may agree to cut production by 10 to 15 million barrels a day.
Last month, OPEC and its allies failed to reach a deal on oil production cuts after OPEC+ leader Moscow refused to tighten supply to counter the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
Read more: Global economy badly hit by pandemic: Asian Development Bank
Speaking with Energy Minister Alexander Novak via conference call, Putin said Russia was prepared to discuss “a reduction in the volume of about 10 million barrels a day, a little less, maybe a little more.”
He said Russia was in close contact with partners Saudi Arabia and that he recently spoke to US President Donald Trump.
The Kremlin on Thursday denied Putin spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Trump made the claim on Twitter, and oil prices rocketed.
Putin’s comments come as the OPEC group of oil producers led by Saudi Arabia plan to meet Monday via videoconference, according to a source close to the organization.
AFP with additional input from GVS News Desk.