Discussing pump prices on Digi24, Eugenia Gusilov explained the causes behind the recent slight increase above $90 per barrel. The main driver was the July OPEC+ decision implemented by Saudi Arabia and Russia to cut production by 1.3 mb/d, leaving OPEC+ with a spare capacity of 5 mb/d. Meanwhile, sanctioned OPEC members Iran and Venezuela increased their production in August.

Regarding potential United States measures to keep prices in check, it was noted that the US would likely rely on relaxed enforcement of sanctions rather than tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. For example, Venezuelan state company PDVSA exports crude to Europe under waivers granted to companies like ENI and Repsol through an oil-for-fuels arrangement.