OPEC+ has delayed a key review of members’ oil production capacity after the Iran conflict disrupted capacity expansion projects.
The assessment will help determine production quotas for 2027. However, the review is now expected to finish by mid-November instead of September.
The delay has created fresh uncertainty over how much oil OPEC+ members can produce in the coming years. Meanwhile, some members have yet to submit the data needed for the assessment.
Why Has OPEC+ Delayed the Capacity Review?
The review was originally scheduled for completion by the end of September. However, the conflict involving Iran disrupted projects designed to expand oil production capacity across the Middle East.
These disruptions have complicated estimates of future production potential. In addition, some OPEC+ members have not yet provided the information required for the assessment.
The review was ordered in late 2025 ahead of negotiations over production quotas for 2027. Therefore, its findings will play an important role in determining future production baselines.
How Will the Review Affect 2027 Oil Quotas?
The assessment aims to provide an independent estimate of each member’s maximum sustainable production capacity.
OPEC+ will use these estimates as a reference when establishing production baselines for 2027. The figures will also support negotiations over future quotas among participating producers.
OPEC+ includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other allied oil producers.
At its June meeting, OPEC stressed the importance of completing the assessment for all participating members. The group said the findings would serve as a reference for determining 2027 production baselines.
Consultancy Conducting the Assessment
US petroleum consultancy DeGolyer and MacNaughton is conducting the capacity assessment for most OPEC+ members.
However, the consultancy is excluding Russia, Iran and Venezuela from the assessment because of US sanctions.
The consultancy is expected to submit its report to OPEC by mid-November. The findings could then be considered at the group’s meeting later that month.
Consequently, the delayed assessment is likely to remain an important part of discussions surrounding OPEC+ production levels for 2027.
Conflict Creates Uncertainty Over Future Oil Supply
The disruption to Middle Eastern capacity projects has added another complication to the process of determining future production potential.
At the same time, incomplete data from some members has contributed to the delay. As a result, OPEC+ will have to wait longer before obtaining the assessment needed for its 2027 quota discussions.
The review’s completion will provide an updated reference for members’ maximum sustainable production capacities. Those figures will then help shape negotiations over future production baselines and quotas.
For now, the assessment is expected to reach OPEC by mid-November, with the findings potentially considered at the group’s meeting later that month.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
