OPEC crude production fell to a 36-year low in April at 20.55 million b/d, down
420,000 b/d, driven by Iran war disruptions and Strait of Hormuz shutdown, a
Bloomberg survey showed. Kuwait saw the largest decline, down 470,000 b/d, while
Iran output fell 180,000 b/d to 3.05 million b/d amid US blockade pressure. The
Persian Gulf supply loss has lifted fuel prices and raised inflation and
recession risks, while oil markets remain volatile amid shifting diplomacy
signals. OPEC members also agreed to proceed with a symbolic output quota
increase in June despite disruptions.