The price of Brent crude slumped further to a fresh five-year low despite China reporting record crude imports in December.

Reuters reported that February Brent crude declined $1.06 to $46.37 a barrel, while US crude for February was down $1.15 at $44.92 a barrel.

"OPEC has decided not to cut production, despite oil prices plummeting 57% since June 2014."

OPEC has decided not to cut production, despite oil prices plummeting 57% since June 2014.

OPEC members are offering discounts to customers in order to protect market share.

Saudi Arabia said it would not support prices by reducing production and rejected calls from other OPEC members.

United Arab Emirates oil minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui was quoted by the news agency as saying that OPEC’s decision in November to not cut output had been the correct decision.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

OPEC’s strategy will not change and other oil producers need to be rational, according to al-Mazroui.

Several banks have cut their oil price outlook, with Goldman Sachs slashing its 2015 Brent forecast to $50.40 a barrel from $83.75 and US crude to $47.15 a barrel from $73.75.

BNP Paribas has cut its 2015 price forecasts for Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude by more than $10 per barrel to $60 a barrel and $55 a barrel, respectively.