Oil Market Shift: OPEC's Grip Weakens as Prices Decline

OPEC and Saudi Arabia are losing control over the global oil market as booming US supply offsets OPEC's supply cuts. Oil prices have experienced the longest decline in five years, with Brent crude down 18% and West Texas Intermediate crude down 19% since mid-October. Despite OPEC's efforts to stabilize prices, market participants are skeptical, attributing the decline to increased US production and anticipated softer demand. Energy expert Paul Sankey suggests that Saudi Arabia may resort to a "market share war" by flooding the market with oil to regain control of prices.