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OPEC+ is widely expected to approve another increase in oil production when its members meet virtually on Sunday, as the alliance continues to adjust supply while global energy markets remain affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to market analysts, Saudi Arabia, Russia and several other key members of the alliance are likely to raise their combined production target by around 188,000 barrels per day for September. If approved, the increase would continue a series of monthly production hikes introduced this year and is expected to mark the final step in the group’s current plan to gradually restore previously reduced output. OPEC+, which includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, introduced major production cuts between late 2022 and 2023 after concerns that falling oil prices could weaken global energy markets. Those reductions removed nearly six million barrels of oil per day from the market in three separate phases. As demand gradually recovered, the group shifted its strategy by slowly increasing production, beginning in 2025, to balance supply while supporting market stability. A September increase would complete the reversal of the second package of production cuts introduced during that period. However, analysts note that higher production targets do not necessarily mean actual oil output will increase by the same amount. Several member countries are currently unable to reach their assigned quotas because of declining production capacity, ageing infrastructure or operational challenges. Energy analyst Giovanni Staunovo of UBS said many producers are already pumping below their official targets, making further quota increases less significant in practical terms. He noted that production capacity has declined in several member states, limiting their ability to take full advantage of higher output allowances. Regional tensions have also affected oil exports. Gulf producers continue to face challenges because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted during the conflict involving Iran. Although maritime traffic briefly improved after a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was signed in June, transport through one of the world’s busiest oil routes remains uncertain. Russia is also dealing with production difficulties as repeated Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted parts of its energy infrastructure. Current Russian oil production remains close to nine million barrels per day, well below its official production target of 9.8 million barrels per day, highlighting the gap between quotas and actual output. Some OPEC+ members, including Iraq, have indicated they want to increase production significantly once conditions allow. At the same time, the alliance is reviewing the maximum sustainable production capacity of each member to help determine future output allocations. These discussions are expected to play an important role in setting production quotas for 2027 and beyond. Analysts believe negotiations over future production targets could become more challenging after the September meeting. While they say the alliance remains united for now, the departure of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC+ earlier this year has raised questions about the group’s long term cohesion. The UAE said its decision to leave was based on national interests and long term strategic goals, pointing to major investments aimed at expanding its oil production capacity beyond the limits previously set by the alliance. Despite these challenges, OPEC+ is expected to continue coordinating production policies in an effort to maintain stability in the global oil market as economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue to influence energy demand and supply.

KABUL: Afghan fathers are facing growing distress as their daughters remain unable to continue their education beyond primary school under restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities. Families across Afghanistan say the education ban is creating deep emotional and financial pressure. Some fathers are openly questioning the policy, despite their religious beliefs and support for other government measures. The Taliban administration has defended the restrictions as temporary and based on its interpretation of religious principles. However, many Afghan men say they cannot understand why girls should be prevented from receiving secondary education. A United Nations survey conducted last year found that about nine out of 10 Afghan men considered it important for girls to attend secondary school. Nearly two-thirds also viewed supporting a daughter’s education as a religiously commendable act. Girls were barred from secondary schools after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women were later also prohibited from attending universities. The restrictions have affected a large number of young Afghan women and girls. For many families, the approaching end of primary education has become a source of fear. Fathers worry that their daughters will lose their chance to pursue higher education and build professional careers. One father, identified as Ahmad, said he had never imagined that his daughters could be forced to stop studying. His wife is a mathematics teacher who is also unable to continue teaching secondary-level students. Ahmad said his eldest daughter is approaching the end of primary school. The family has considered private and underground educational options, but the cost is difficult to manage. Another father, a doctor identified as Mohammad, said he had always wanted his daughters to attend leading universities. He believes women are essential to Afghanistan’s development and should have opportunities beyond household responsibilities. His daughters are approaching the age when they will be forced to leave formal schooling. The family has considered sending them abroad, including to Pakistan, but changing regional circumstances have made that option difficult. Some families have turned to private schools that secretly provide general education alongside religious studies. These institutions often charge high fees and may not provide recognised graduation certificates. Parents also fear that authorities could take action against schools operating outside official restrictions. This leaves families caught between protecting their children and trying to continue their education. Another father from Kandahar said his young daughter has a strong interest in astronomy. She asks questions about the solar system, gravity and science. The girl reportedly asked her father how she could continue learning if she could not study beyond the sixth grade. Her question has become a painful reminder of the limited opportunities available to girls. Some families have moved to Kabul in search of better educational opportunities. Others are relying on online courses, home schooling and secret classes. The restrictions are also affecting children emotionally. Parents say many girls feel frustrated, isolated and uncertain about their future. One father said his teenage daughter often stays at home and becomes deeply upset when she thinks about her education. He said he sometimes leaves the room because he cannot control his emotions and ends up crying privately. Another family has created a home-schooling routine using old secondary-school textbooks. The parents try to maintain a school-like schedule so their daughters can continue learning. However, the parents say home education cannot fully replace a formal school environment. They worry about the lack of recognised qualifications, social interaction and access to trained teachers. Some girls have also begun attending secret classes. Their families remain concerned about possible consequences if the authorities discover them. The prolonged restrictions have created uncertainty for an entire generation of Afghan girls. Parents fear that years without formal education will limit their daughters’ future opportunities