INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russia will cut oil production by almost half a million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2024, the government said Sunday, as part
of a move to boost prices.The plan, agreed with Russia's energy allies in the OPEC+ group, comes on top of previous cuts to both oil output
and exports as some of the world's largest energy producers drive to push up market rates amid economic uncertainty.Russia's Deputy Prime
Minister Alexander Novak said Sunday that Moscow will reduce its output by 350,000 barrels a day (bpd) in April, by 400,000 bpd in May and
then 471,000 bpd in June."In order to maintain market stability, these additional cuts will be gradually restored depending on market
conditions," after the end of the second quarter, Novak said in a statement published by the Russian government.Russia's state finances rely
on income from lucrative oil and gas revenues.The West has tried to target Moscow's energy exports under sanctions imposed over the
Kremlin's offensive in Ukraine, forcing Russia to ramp up supplies to countries like China and India.Europe was for decades Russia's main
energy client.Russia had already agreed to cut production by 500,000 bpd last year in a plan that runs until the end of 2024.Russia on
same months last year."This additional voluntary reduction is aimed at strengthening the precautionary measures taken by OPEC+ countries to
maintain stability and balance in the oil markets," Novak said.
