Putin's Oil Moves Rattle OPEC's Nerves

Russia's relationship with OPEC is being tested as Putin appears to be fracturing his relations with Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members. Russia has been developing energy relations with powers that are open to its cheap oil and gas, after having strict sanctions imposed on its energy sector by the U.S. and Europe. OPEC's repeated output cuts have pushed prices higher and higher in the past, which has allowed Russia to undercut OPEC's prices to attract buyers and continue to sell crude. However, OPEC is taking notice, meaning that Putin may not be able to continue this tactic for long.