Tortoise Managing Director Rob Thummel in MarketWatch

Soaring oil prices: 6 things investors need to know about the surprise OPEC+ production cuts

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies said they decided Sunday to cut production in an effort to support oil-market stability, but that offers little comfort to consumers worried about inflation and an expected spike in fuel demand during the coming summer driving season.

The surprise output reduction by the group known as OPEC+ starting in May also comes at a particularly vulnerable time for the U.S., which may not be able to quickly increase its own production.

“The nature and timing of the decision are shocking, since prices have been only moderate pressured from the banking mini-crisis and the market is expected to tighten later this year,” said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research.