Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has cut its May crude oil prices for Asian buyers to the lowest level in four months. State-owned Saudi Aramco lowered the official selling price (OSP) for its flagship Arab Light crude by $2.30 to $1.20 per barrel above the Oman/Dubai average, marking the sharpest drop in over two years and the second consecutive monthly decline.
This price cut follows a surprise move by eight OPEC+ nations to accelerate oil production increases, adding 411,000 barrels per day in May—three times the initially expected boost and roughly 0.4% of global supply. The decision, coupled with rising global trade tensions, led to an 11% plunge in global oil prices for the week ending April 4, pushing prices to over three-year lows.
Analysts had forecasted a cut of $1.80 to $2 per barrel for Arab Light in Asia, reflecting falling benchmark prices and increased Russian crude exports to the region after sanctions-related disruptions early in the year. In March, Dubai crude's spot premium averaged $1.38 per barrel, significantly down from $3.33 in February.
For May, Aramco also reduced prices for other Asian crude grades by $2.30 per barrel. U.S.-bound exports saw a modest $0.20 cut, with Arab Extra Light priced at $5.85 above ASCI. In Europe, reductions were more moderate at $0.50 across most grades, with Arab Light for Northwest Europe now at $2.55 over ICE Brent and Mediterranean-bound crude at $2.35.
These strategic pricing adjustments reflect shifting market dynamics and increasing competition in Asia, especially as Russian supply rebounds and OPEC+ ramps up output.


U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 



