OPEC+ postponed a meeting of ministers to discuss oil production cuts to November 30 from November 26 as producers struggled to agree on production levels and therefore possible cuts, OPEC+ sources said, a surprise postponement that led to a drop in oil prices. Reuters.

Three sources in OPEC+ told Reuters that it was linked to African countries. After its last meeting in June, OPEC+ said that Angola, Nigeria and Congo production quotas for 2024 are subject to review by external analysts.

Sunday’s meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, known as OPEC+, is expected to consider further changes to the deal, which already limits supplies until 2024, OPEC+ analysts and sources said.

“Uncertainty is never good for financial markets, markets now have to wait longer to get clarity on what OPEC+ will do next year,” said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

“The postponement of the meeting also indicates that there are certain differences among the members of the group,” he added.

Brent crude last fell $3 a barrel, or nearly 4%, to below $80. The price has fallen from nearly $98 in late September under pressure from increased supply and concerns about demand and a potential economic downturn.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman agreed to postpone the meeting, another OPEC+ source said, citing concerns with other producers.

Sunday’s meeting was to take place at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna.

OPEC announced the delay in a statement that did not say whether the group would meet online or in person on November 30, although three delegates said they expected the meeting to take place in person in Vienna.