OPEC and its allies agreed over the weekend to raise collective crude output by 548,000 barrels a day in August, a steeper increase than the 411,000-barrel monthly steps the group had taken since May. The move accelerates the reversal of 2.17 million barrels a day of voluntary cuts introduced by eight core members in 2023, bringing almost 80 percent of those barrels back to market. Five delegates told Reuters the alliance is likely to approve a further rise of about 550,000 barrels a day for September at its 3 August meeting. That step would complete the cut unwind and accommodate a 300,000-barrel quota expansion for the United Arab Emirates. Goldman Sachs echoed the forecast, saying the September decision would leave the group pumping roughly 2.5 percent more oil than in April. Benchmark prices initially fell on the supply surprise, with Brent dropping to $67.22 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate nearing $65 before clawing back some ground. Analysts said physical supplies remain tight, tempering the bearish reaction. Underscoring confidence in demand, Saudi Aramco lifted August official selling prices for its flagship Arab Light grade by $1 a barrel for Asia and up to $1.40 for Europe. Market sentiment is also being shaped by macro headwinds. Investors are bracing for higher U.S. tariffs that take effect on 1 August and could slow economic activity, while Shell warned that second-quarter trading in gas and chemicals will be “significantly lower,” weighing on energy equities. Even so, crude prices were little changed by late Monday, suggesting traders expect the additional OPEC+ barrels to be absorbed without triggering a deep slide.