During a briefing following the OPEC+ gathering, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman did not address questions about why certain media outlets were not granted accreditation to attend the organization’s meetings. The remarks were reported by DEA News and noted as an organizational matter best directed to the OPEC secretariat for clarification.
The minister emphasized that the secretariat has always maintained an open stance toward media access. He pointed to the June 4 event, which saw a broad representation from news agencies around the world, as evidence that international media were welcomed and able to cover the proceedings without impediment.
In subsequent remarks to reporters, the minister outlined the topics that were under discussion at OPEC+ and stressed the importance of transparency when it comes to future plans for oil production. He underscored that the alliance seeks to keep markets informed while balancing the diverse interests of member countries.
Separately, reports indicated that the organization had imposed restrictions on journalists from major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Reuters and Bloomberg News from visiting its headquarters in Vienna. The episodes raised questions about access and the consistency of media rules across different venues and events tied to the OPEC+ framework.
Observers note that media access to OPEC+ events has long been a point of contention, with the organization traditionally navigating a careful line between official communications and independent reporting. The current episode appears to intensify scrutiny of how the secretariat handles accreditation and how that process is communicated to global reporters, analysts, and the public. DEA News observers and other industry commentators suggest that clear, public criteria and timely updates on accreditation decisions would help improve trust and reduce confusion among media representatives and market watchers.