Surreal moment of this year’s CERAWeek by IHS Markit: OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo sitting in the press room, questioned about presidential tweets.

Navigating carefully around a reporter’s question of whether OPEC is influenced by President Donald J. Trump’s digital screeds/bullying/self-congratulations regarding OPEC, Barkindo said the tweets add “uncertainty” to global markets.

Bumpiness ensues when the most powerful person on Earth writes, as he did on Feb. 25: “Oil prices getting too high. OPEC, please relax and take it easy. World cannot take a price hike - fragile!” The missive, posted after the usual consultation with experts, caused oil prices to fall 3%, according to CNBC.

Already have an account? Log In

Thanks for reading Hart Energy.

Subscribe now to get unmatched coverage of the oil and gas industry’s entire landscape.

Get Access
Need more than one account? See Group Subscription options