"VIENNA — On Thursday, over 200 oil industry representatives, financial analysts and journalists are expected to crowd into a basement auditorium at the headquarters of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. It is a tricky time for OPEC at its twice-yearly gathering, and, more important, for the oil industry and consumers who depend on the world’s most abundant energy source.
Oil prices have been volatile in recent months. West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $76 a barrel in early October, the highest level since 2014, before plunging 35 percent to below $50 a barrel last Thursday, and then rising again Monday to about $53 a barrel.
Adding to the uncertainty, any steps OPEC takes to curb production or raise prices may anger President Trump, who has tried to influence the oil markets in more obvious ways than any of his predecessors. Mr. Trump was ready with a tweet that landed midafternoon Wednesday in Vienna, putting the crowd on notice that he was watching."
Stanley Reed reports for the New York Times December 5, 2018.
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