OPEC was founded in 1960 to influence the global oil market. It currently has 12 member countries and controls a significant portion of global oil production. OPEC aims to stabilize oil prices and ensure fair returns for producers.
Mandatory Oil Import Program Imposed by U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower
In 1959, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower implements the Mandatory Oil Import Program to address oversupply issues by imposing a quota system on oil imports, limiting them to 9 percent of domestic consumption. The program also grants preferential treatment to Canada and Mexico, lasting for fourteen years.
1960
Formation of OPEC
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in 1960 to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers.
1960-09-10
1st OPEC Conference
The 1st OPEC Conference took place from 10-14 September 1960 in Baghdad, Iraq, marking a significant milestone in the historic journey of the Organization.
1960-09-14
Formation of OPEC
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded by five oil-producing countries at a Baghdad conference on September 14, 1960, and played a significant role in the 1973 Oil Embargo and subsequent oil crisis.
1960-09-14
Formation of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Nations (OPEC)
On September 14, 1960, OPEC is established by representatives from Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Iraq to defend oil prices.
1961
Establishment of OPEC
In 1961, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded by five major oil-producing countries to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among its members.
1962-09-03
OPEC Board of Governors Meeting
The OPEC Board of Governors met on 3 September 1962 in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss important matters related to the Organization.
1964-11-23
7th OPEC Conference
The 7th OPEC Conference was held from 23-28 November 1964 in Jakarta, Indonesia, focusing on key issues in the oil market.
1965-09-01
OPEC Headquarters Moved to Vienna
On September 1, 1965, OPEC moved its headquarters to Vienna, Austria, after Switzerland declined to extend diplomatic privileges. This move was influenced by Switzerland's restrictions on foreigners and Austria's attractive terms for international organizations.
1967-06
Six-Day War
The Six-Day War in 1967 was an internationally important conflict in OPEC's history that had implications on oil supplies and prices.
1968
OPEC Declaratory Statement of Petroleum Policy
In 1968, OPEC released the Declaratory Statement of Petroleum Policy in Member Countries, emphasizing the sovereignty of nations over their natural resources for national enrichment and development amidst the decolonization movement.
1969
Expansion of OPEC Membership
By 1969, OPEC had expanded its membership with the addition of five new member nations - Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, United Arab Emirates, and Algeria. This expansion marked a significant growth in the organization's influence and representation.
1970
Libya Negotiated 58/42 Agreement
In 1970, Libya negotiated a 58/42 profit-sharing agreement with the oil company Occidental, prompting other OPEC members to seek better agreements with oil companies. This marked a shift from the previous 50/50 profit agreements.
1971-04-02
Tripoli Agreement Signed
The Tripoli Agreement was signed on April 2, 1971, between major oil companies and OPEC members operating in the Mediterranean Sea region. This agreement raised oil prices and increased the profit shares of producing countries.
1973-10-17
1973 Oil Crisis
The 1973 oil crisis was triggered by OPEC's decision to impose an oil embargo on countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War, leading to a sharp increase in oil prices and global economic repercussions.
1975
First Summit of Heads of State and Government in Algiers
The first Summit of Heads of State and Government in Algiers in 1975 marked a significant moment for OPEC, addressing the challenges faced by poorer nations and calling for increased cooperation in international relations for global economic development and stability.
1976
Establishment of OPEC
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in 1976 to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers.
1979
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution in 1979 had a significant impact on OPEC's operations and the global oil market.
1980-09
Iran-Iraq War
The Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 was a major conflict that disrupted oil supplies and had lasting effects on OPEC's functioning.
1983
Saudi Arabia's Invitation to Soviet Union to Join OPEC
In 1983, Saudi Arabia invited the Soviet Union to join OPEC to align their oil production. This move was a response to declining oil prices and the need to stabilize the market.
1985-01
73rd (Extraordinary) OPEC Conference
The 73rd (Extraordinary) OPEC Conference was held from 28–30 January 1985 in Geneva, Switzerland, discussing important developments in the energy sector.
1986
Oil Price Plunge of 1986
Due to falling revenue from oil sales, Saudi Arabia flooded the market with cheap oil, causing prices to fall below US$10/bbl. This led to higher-cost producers becoming unprofitable and a significant decline in the price of oil.
1988
End of the Iran-Iraq War
The Iran-Iraq War concluded in 1988, bringing a brief period of political stability to OPEC.
1989
Dissolution of the USSR
In 1989, the USSR collapsed into various republics, disrupting the previously dominant Soviet oil production.
1990-08
Iraqi Occupation of Kuwait
The Iraqi occupation of Kuwait from 1990 to 1991 was a significant event that impacted OPEC member countries and the oil market.
1991-03-13
OPEC oil production cuts agreement by Saudi Arabia and Iran
In 1991, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced an agreement to implement OPEC oil production cuts, which were set to take effect on April 1.
1992-12
Ecuador suspends OPEC membership
Ecuador suspended its membership in OPEC in December 1992.
1995-01
Gabon terminates OPEC membership
Gabon terminated its membership in OPEC in January 1995.
1998
Saudi Arabia's Request to Russia to Cut Oil Production
In 1998, as global oil demand decreased, Saudi Arabia requested Russia to cut oil production by 100,000 barrels a day. However, Russia did not fulfill this promise, leading to strained relations between the two countries.
2000
OPEC Summit in Caracas
OPEC held its second summit in Caracas in 2000, focusing on establishing stable energy markets, sustainable development, and environmental concerns.
2001
September 11 Attacks
The September 11 attacks in 2001 had repercussions on OPEC's operations and the stability of the oil market.
2003-03
American Occupation of Iraq
The American occupation of Iraq from 2003 to 2011 was a notable event that influenced OPEC's strategies and oil production.
2004
Increase in Market Volatility
In 2004, market forces, speculation, and other factors led to increased volatility in the well-supplied crude market, transforming the situation.
2007-11-17
Third OPEC Summit
The Third OPEC Summit took place on 17-18 November 2007 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on key issues affecting the oil market.
2008-09-10
OPEC production dispute
A production dispute arose within OPEC when Saudi Arabia walked out of a negotiating session where rival members voted to reduce OPEC output. Despite officially endorsing the new quotas, Saudi Arabia stated anonymously that they would not observe them.
2009-01
Indonesia suspends OPEC membership
Indonesia suspended its membership in OPEC in January 2009.
2010-03-17
OPEC's New Headquarters Opening
Delegates and guests gathered at OPEC's new Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
2012
OPEC 5th International Seminar
OPEC held its 5th International Seminar in 2012, bringing together representatives from producing and consuming nations, national and international oil companies, journalists, and industry analysts.
2014-11-27
Saudi Arabia blocks production cuts
Saudi oil minister Ali Al-Naimi blocked appeals from poorer OPEC members for production cuts to support prices. He argued that the oil market should rebalance itself competitively at lower price levels, aiming to end the profitability of high-cost US shale oil production.
2015-06-03
6th OPEC International Seminar
The 6th OPEC International Seminar took place at Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria.
2015-06-05
167th OPEC Conference
The 167th OPEC Conference was held in Vienna, Austria.
2015-12-04
OPEC Meeting in Vienna
OPEC exceeded its production ceiling for 18 consecutive months, world markets were oversupplied by at least 2 million barrels per day, and major adjustments were being made by oil producers to withstand low prices.
2016-01-20
OPEC Reference Basket Price Drop
The OPEC Reference Basket price dropped to US$22.48/bbl, significantly lower than previous highs, due to market pressures and oversupply.
2016-11-30
Indonesia suspends OPEC membership again
Indonesia decided to suspend its membership in OPEC once more at the 171st Meeting of the OPEC Conference on 30 November 2016.
2017-05
Extension of OPEC Production Cut Quotas
OPEC decided to extend the new quotas through March 2018, aiming to reduce the oil-inventory glut.
2017-12
Russia and OPEC Production Cut Extension
Russia and OPEC agreed to extend the production cut of 1.8 mbpd until the end of 2018.
2018-07-18
OPEC Meeting for New Production Limits Deal
OPEC met on 18 July to agree upon a new deal involving higher production limits for countries like the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, which resulted in a slip in oil prices but potentially giving OPEC more control over the oil price in the future.
2019-01-01
Qatar Withdrawal from OPEC
Qatar announced its withdrawal from OPEC effective 1 January 2019, as a strategic response to the Qatar diplomatic crisis.
2019-10-01
Ecuador Withdrawal from OPEC
Ecuador announced its withdrawal from OPEC on 1 January 2020 due to financial problems facing the country.
2020-01-01
Ecuador withdraws OPEC membership
Ecuador decided to withdraw its membership from OPEC effective 1 January 2020.
2021-07
Saudi-Emirati dispute within OPEC+
In July 2021, OPEC+ member United Arab Emirates rejected a Saudi proposed eight-month extension to oil output curbs. A compromise deal allowed UAE to increase its maximum oil output, and all members would gradually increase output to offset previous cuts made due to the COVID pandemic.
2022-02-02
25th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting
The 25th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting took place on February 2, 2022. This meeting involved discussions and decisions regarding oil production, pricing, and market stability.
2023-11
Nigeria and Angola discontent with OPEC quotas
During an OPEC meeting in November 2023, Nigeria and Angola expressed dissatisfaction with OPEC's production quotas, hindering their efforts to increase oil production and enhance foreign reserves.
2023-12
Angola leaving OPEC
In December 2023, Angola announced its departure from OPEC due to disagreements with the organization's production quotas scheme.
2024-01-01
Angola withdraws OPEC membership
Angola decided to withdraw its membership from OPEC effective 1 January 2024.
2024-04-02
Impact of OPEC on oil prices
Exploring the influence of OPEC decisions on the fluctuation of oil prices in the market.
2024-04-08
Oil prices ease on Middle East ceasefire talks
Oil prices decrease due to discussions about a ceasefire in the Middle East.