OPEC sees other oil countries pumping up more

vienna (afn) - Oil production by countries that are not members of OPEC oil cartel is increasing this year.

OPEC has increased its expectations for production by non-OPEC countries for the second month in a row.

The increase is almost entirely due to the United States. The higher oil prices make it lucrative for American producers to further increase the production of so-called shale oil.

The OPEC now accounts for production growth of more than 1.4 million barrels of oil a day outside of the oil cartel's influence. That is 240,000 more than what was expected last month. The increase may negate production restrictions agreed by OPEC and a number of other countries.