Is Oman Part of OPEC?
Short Answer
No, Oman is not a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. However, Oman participates in the broader OPEC-plus group, cooperating with OPEC members on production agreements to help stabilise global oil markets.
Detailed Answer
Despite being a significant oil producer in the Middle East, Oman has historically chosen to remain outside OPEC, preferring to maintain independent control over its production policy. This decision gives Oman greater flexibility to adjust output levels based on its own fiscal needs and reservoir management strategies rather than being bound by collective quota decisions.
The emergence of the OPEC-plus framework in late 2016 brought Oman into closer coordination with OPEC members. Under this arrangement, non-OPEC producers including Oman, Russia, and others agreed to voluntary production cuts alongside OPEC to support oil prices following the severe downturn of 2014 to 2016. Oman has generally adhered to its agreed production targets within this framework.
Oman’s oil production capacity is modest compared to OPEC heavyweights like Saudi Arabia or Iraq. The Sultanate produces roughly one million barrels per day, and many of its fields are mature, requiring enhanced oil recovery techniques that increase extraction costs. This cost structure makes Oman particularly sensitive to price volatility.
The decision to stay outside OPEC while participating in OPEC-plus exemplifies Oman’s broader diplomatic philosophy of maintaining independence while cooperating pragmatically with international partners when interests align.