RIYADH – Saudi Arabia significantly increased its oil production in February, according to a draft report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as geopolitical tensions in the region escalated. The move came prior to the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, signaling a proactive measure to potentially offset supply disruptions in the Middle East.
The report, reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, indicated Saudi Arabia’s oil supplies to the market reached 10.111 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, up from 10.10 million bpd in January. Overall production totaled 10.882 million bpd, demonstrating a substantial increase in output. This increase in production underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in global oil markets and its efforts to stabilize supply during periods of uncertainty.
Sources familiar with the plan revealed that Saudi Arabia raised both its production and exports as part of a contingency plan anticipating a potential U.S. Attack on Iran, which could jeopardize oil supplies from the region. The military action commenced on February 28, subsequently heightening regional tensions and disrupting portions of oil exports and production, contributing to a rise in global oil prices.
A separate report from Al Arabi shows that the average crude oil production of OPEC+ countries reached 42.72 million bpd in February, a 445,000 bpd increase compared to January. Saudi Arabia’s actions were a primary driver of this overall increase.
OPEC has maintained its expectations for relatively strong global oil demand growth throughout the year, despite the ongoing conflict. Sawt Beirut reported that Saudi Arabia led the significant increase in OPEC production during the month preceding the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The developments come as OPEC confirms a substantial increase in Saudi oil production before the war in Iran, highlighting the complex interplay between geopolitical events and energy markets. The situation continues to be monitored closely as the region navigates ongoing instability.
