Eight OPEC+ countries have agreed to advance their plan to phase out oil output cuts by increasing production by 411,000 barrels per day in May. This unexpected decision has led to a further decline in oil prices, which were already down over 4% due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on trading partners. Brent crude has dropped over 6% towards $70 a barrel following OPEC’s updated plans.

Originally, eight members of OPEC+, which includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, were scheduled to raise output by 135,000 barrels per day in May as part of a gradual unwinding of their most recent output cuts. However, after an online meeting, the group announced a larger increase of 411,000 bpd in May, citing “continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook.”

This May hike is part of a plan by Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, Kazakhstan, and Oman to gradually unwind their recent output cut of 2.2 million bpd, which came into effect this month. OPEC+ also has 3.65 million bpd of other output cuts in place until the end of next year to support the market.

The decision reflects OPEC+ leaders’ focus on improving compliance with production quotas. Kazakhstan’s record output has angered several members, including top producer Saudi Arabia. OPEC+ is urging Kazakhstan and other members to make further cuts to compensate for excess production. The eight OPEC+ countries will meet again on May 5 to decide on June output.