Opec, Russia in diplomatic push for oil-cuts deal

London

THE Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) embarked on a final diplomatic effort to secure an oil-cuts deal, with its top official heading on a tour of member states as Russia scheduled informal talks in Doha this week with nations including Saudi Arabia.

The behind-the-scenes diplomacy follows an unannounced meeting in London between Opec secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo and Saudi Minister of Energy and Industry Khalid Al-Falih, said one Opec delegate. Just two weeks before the group's Nov 30 ministerial meeting in Vienna, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran are still at odds over how to share output cuts, said another delegate.