In an unenviable position, the 13 members of the Saudi-led Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their Russian-led partners stand at a crossroads.

While Riyadh walks on a thin thread, in an order to allow the United States to keep a face, it must avoid angering Russia in order to sustain the alliance.

The OPEC + coalition is meeting on Wednesday to develop new strategies that drive it, including US President Joe Biden's visit to Jeddah, which raises questions as to whether the bloc will do more to lower crude oil prices.

After severe cuts in spring 2020 to cope with slumping demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the coalition returned to production levels before the health crisis, at least on paper.

In normal times, he could have stopped there, but now he has to decide what to do in the face of Washington's pressure.

However, based on current policy, analysts do not expect a sharp rise in oil pumping. In addition, OPEC + must take into account Moscow's interests that run counter to Washington's.

The London Research Institute "Energy Aspects" indicates that it expects OPEC + to extend the current agreement to further increase the volume of oil. This decision must be taken by unanimous membership, and the meeting is therefore expected to be longer than usual.