By Dr Iqbal Survé and Sesona Mdlokovana

OPEC and BRICS: Shared Goals and Increasing Cooperation

Founded in 2016, OPEC—which controls over 50% of global oil production, plays a key role in stabilising prices by strategically adjusting its output levels. BRICS+ on the other hand, now including Middle Eastern countries Iran, UAE and possibly Saudi Arabia, aims to promote multipolarity, enhance economic ties and counter Western financial dominance. The increase in collaborations between the OPEC+ and BRICS+ wisely strengthens the Global South, and this makes them very important actors in the shift to renewables and global energy governance.

Brazil’s Strategic Move: Joining OPEC+

In 2023, Brazil joined OPEC+ and this signaled its efforts to be one of the key players in the energy sector. As the eighth biggest global oil producer (3.3 million bpd in 2024), Brazil’s OPEC+ membership enables it to have an influence on global oil policies and aligns with BRICS’ pursuit for a multipolar energy system. This move strengthens the energy and security partnership of Brazil within OPEC+, especially within the Middle East.

Russia’s Dual Role: OPEC+ and BRICS+

The key role of Russia in both OPEC+ and BRICS+ makes it central to global energy governance. As the third largest oil producer in the world, Russia aims to reduce reliance on western markets, diversify exports and strengthen Asian ties. In 2024, Russia produced 10.5 million bpd, with majority exports flowing to BRICS+ countries. Its involvement in the OPEC+ allows it to influence oil production decisions. This dual membership allows Russia to contribute to energy pricing and stabilisation, while also supporting BRICS’ geopolitical goal of reducing Western financial dominance.

Middle Eastern Powerhouses: Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia

Iran, UAE and Saudi Arabia, major players within OPEC+, have joined BRICS, signaling a broad geopolitical shift. These countries, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia, are some of the founding members of OPEC and they hold a large portion of the world’s oil reserves together. With a production of 10.5 million bpd in 2024, Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter, and Iran, regardless of sanctions, reached 1.2 million in 2024.

The strategic pivot of Saudi Arabia towards BRICS+ shows that the kingdom has intentions to further strengthen ties in the Global South, moving away from its historical dependence on Western powers. This is a very important development in energy geopolitics as Russia and Saudi Arabia have been cooperating to balance production quotas and stabilise oil prices. Despite facing significant U.S. sanctions, Iran's oil exports have increased, mostly to China and India, showing a change in its geopolitical strategy as evident in its inclusion in both OPEC+ and BRICS. Within OPEC+, Iran maintains the influence it has over global energy discussions.

The UAE’s membership in OPEC and BRICS emphasises the Gulf’s evolving energy strategy. Prestigious for its efforts in diversifying into renewable energy, the UAE aims to balance its fossil fuel production with long-term sustainability goals. Its involvement in both groups positions the UAE as a bridge between traditional energy markets and emerging global energy solutions.

Global Energy Implications: A Shift in Power

The growing relationship between OPEC+ and BRICS is significantly reshaping global energy governance. Traditionally, Western institutions coupled with the U.S. dollar dominated energy policies and oil trade. However, the deepening collaborations happening between BRICS and OPEC+ presents a challenge to this established order. BRICS has been an advocate for a more equitable global energy pricing mechanism, actively seeking to diminish the central role of the U.S. in energy transactions. The BRICS-backed New Development Bank is already funding energy initiatives in the Global South, providing an alternative to Western financial structures. This growing cooperation between OPEC+ and BRICS indicates a shift in global energy governance, with a growing emphasis on the priorities of the Global South.A Multipolar Energy Future

The increasing cooperation between OPEC+ and BRICS signifies a significant change in global energy governance. These nations are aligning their interests to stabilize oil prices and reshape the global energy order. With key players like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and Brazil influencing oil production, their collaborative efforts to redefine energy policies will ensure a central role for the Global South in the future of global energy trade. This partnership highlights the increasing influence of the Global South in a multipolar world, suggesting a future of more inclusive and balanced energy governance that reflects diverse global economic interests.

Dr Iqbal Survé - Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN.

Sesona Mdlokovana - Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group, UAE & African Specialist.

IOL