ALGIERS — OPEC members could decide to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss oil prices immediately after an informal gathering in Algiers next week, Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa said on Tuesday.
Bouterfa told local radio he was optimistic that participants would reach a consensus on how to stabilize the oil markets at the Algiers meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC producers on Sept. 26-28.
"Oil ministers may decide to hold an extraordinary meeting immediately," he said.
Algeria has been pushing for oil to be stabilized at around $60 a barrel. Bouterfa has travelled to Qatar, Iran and Russia to lobby for action to steady the market.
Oil prices dipped Tuesday with analysts expecting volatility in the run-up to a producers' meeting next week, while traders are also awaiting the release of US stockpiles data.
Around 1130 GMT, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in November was down 48 cents at $45.46 a barrel compared with Monday's close. — Agencies
