REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, VIENNA -- Gulf oil producers led by Saudi Arabia on Thursday won the case for keeping OPEC output unchanged, overriding calls from poorer members of the exporters' group for action to halt a slide in crude prices.

Benchmark Brent crude oil fell 3 USD to its lowest since September 2010, at under 75 USD a barrel, on expectations that huge global oversupply will build up in coming months. OPEC also decided to meet next on June 5, 2015. 

"It was a great decision," Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said as he emerged smiling after around five hours of talks.

Asked whether OPEC had decided not to cut production and to roll over existing output policies, he replied: "That is right". Venezuelan Foreign Minister Rafael Ramirez left the meeting visibly angry and declined to comment on the outcome.

Wealthy Gulf states have made clear they are ready to ride out the weak prices that have hurt the likes of Venezuela and Iran - OPEC members that pressed for output cuts to stabilize the market and ease pressure on their state budgets, but cannot afford to make any themselves.

Oil prices have sunk about a third since June due to a boom in US uproduction from shale deposits, coupled with slack demand caused by slower economic growth in China and Europe.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries accounts for a third of global oil output. If it were to cut exports without similar action by its competitors, it would lose further market share, including to North American shale oil producers.

On the other hand, a decision to stick to existing output levels effectively means the start of a battle for market share.

The Saudis and other Gulf producers could withstand for some time such a battle that could drive down prices further, thanks to their large foreign-currency reserves. Members without such a cushion would find it much more difficult.

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