Eight OPEC+ countries agreed on Thursday to accelerate their plan to increase oil production, adding up 411,000 barrels per day starting in May, an unexpected decision that amplified the fall in crude prices, which were already falling due to fears that American tariffs would hurt demand.

The eight countries participating in OPEC+ production cuts adjusted May production by 411,000 barrels per day, which is equivalent to three monthly increases.

A meeting of eight influential OPEC+ ministers will probably maintain the current oil production policy, which foresees gradual increases from April, without major changes, said Thursday a source from this collective that includes OPEC and the alliance of crude oil producers led by Russia.

According to the press, a record production in Kazakhstan had aroused the discontent of several other members of the group. OPEC+ is urging Kazakhstan, as well as other member countries, to make additional cuts to make up for the excess production

Likewise, eight OPEC+ member countries are expected to increase oil production by 135,000 barrels per day in May.

This increase in production in May is part of a plan to gradually ease the last reduction of 2.2 million barrels per day, which came into effect this month.

In addition, OPEC+ is also implementing other production cuts totaling 3.65 million barrels per day, which will remain in effect until the end of next year in order to support the market.