Saudi Arabia retains OPEC crown as UAE surges, Nigeria ranks seventh in June output
By Eyo Nsima
Saudi Arabia remained the largest crude oil producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in June 2026 despite a decline in output, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded the biggest monthly increase to consolidate its position as the group’s second-largest producer.
The latest OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report showed that total crude oil production by the cartel rose to 22.002 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June from 18.952 mbpd in May, an increase of 3.051 mbpd, driven largely by higher production from the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran.
Nigeria ranked seventh among OPEC’s oil producers after increasing production marginally by 5,000 barrels per day to 1.559 mbpd from 1.554 mbpd in May.
Top 10 OPEC oil producers in June 2026
According to OPEC’s secondary-source data, the leading crude oil producers in June were:
| Rank | Country | Production (mbpd) | Monthly Change (bpd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 6.847 | -99,000 |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates | 3.809 | +1,642,000 |
| 3 | Iran | 2.441 | +155,000 |
| 4 | Iraq | 1.970 | +446,000 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 1.559 | +5,000 |
| 6 | Kuwait | 1.452 | +880,000 |
| 7 | Libya | 1.325 | +22,000 |
| 8 | Venezuela | 1.070 | -1,000 |
| 9 | Algeria | 0.987 | +5,000 |
| 10 | Congo | 0.274 | -7,000 |
UAE records biggest production jump
The UAE posted the strongest monthly production growth among OPEC members, raising output by 1.642 million bpd to 3.809 mbpd, firmly establishing itself as the cartel’s second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait also recorded a significant increase, with production rising by 880,000 bpd to 1.452 mbpd, while Iraq added 446,000 bpd to reach 1.970 mbpd.
Iran boosted production by 155,000 bpd to 2.441 mbpd, strengthening its position as OPEC’s third-largest producer.
Saudi output declines
Despite retaining the top position, Saudi Arabia’s crude production fell by 99,000 bpd to 6.847 mbpd during the month.
Analysts said the Kingdom remained comfortably ahead of all other OPEC members, producing nearly 3.04 mbpd more than the UAE.
Nigeria maintains upward trend
Nigeria continued its gradual recovery, increasing production to 1.559 mbpd, its highest level in recent months.
The improvement reflects sustained efforts by operators and the Federal Government to reduce crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and operational disruptions, particularly in the Niger Delta.
However, Nigeria’s increase was modest compared with the substantial gains recorded by the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq, highlighting the need for greater investment in upstream development if the country is to achieve its production ambitions.
Mixed performance across OPEC
Among the remaining producers, Libya increased output by 22,000 bpd to 1.325 mbpd, while Algeria added 5,000 bpd to reach 987,000 bpd.
Venezuela’s production remained largely stable at 1.070 mbpd, while Congo and Equatorial Guinea recorded declines of 7,000 bpd each.
The June production figures underscore shifting dynamics within OPEC, with Gulf producers accounting for most of the increase in global supply, while African members posted relatively modest changes.
For Nigeria, maintaining production above 1.5 million bpd will remain crucial to boosting government revenue, improving foreign exchange earnings and attracting fresh investment into the upstream petroleum sector.
