Angola Departure A Blow For OPEC+ As Cartel Tensions Rise

The expansion of OPEC has proved to be a double-edged sword for the cartel as it means decision-making has become more difficult, according to Swissquote analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya (Credit: AFP)

Angola's departure from OPEC exposes the tensions with the oil cartel as it seeks to cut output to maintain prices just as the United States ramps up production.

Despite slashing oil production for months on end and announcing new cuts in late November, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its ten allies have struggled to boost flagging prices.