OPEC+ approves small December increase and pauses further hikes into Q1 2026

OPEC+ agreed to a modest output addition of about 137,000 barrels per day for December 2025 and signalled a pause on further increases through the first quarter of 2026. The decision was framed as a cautious step to balance seasonal demand shifts and avoid a potential supply glut. Traders said the limited hike helped steady oil prices while attention shifts to U.S. inventory reports and Asian demand. Energy analysts warned that the pause leaves markets sensitive to any unplanned supply disruptions or faster-than-expected demand changes in early 2026.