Saudi leaders made clear Friday they see no reason to boost oil production until customers demand it, apparently rebuffing President Bush. It was Bush's second personal appeal this year to King Abdullah, the AP reported. Saudi officials stuck to their position that they will pump more oil into the market when asked to by buyers, something they say is not happening now, the president's national security adviser told reporters.
"Saudi Arabia does not have customers that are making requests for oil that they are not able to satisfy," Stephen Hadley said. "What the Saudis wanted to tell us was we're doing everything we can do ... to meet this problem, but it's a complicated problem."
The Saudi oil minister, Ali al-Naimi, announced that the kingdom decided on May 10 to raise production by 300,000 barrels at the request of customers, including the United States. He said that increase was sufficient.
"Supply and demand are in balance today," he told a news conference. "How much does Saudi Arabia need to do to satisfy people who are questioning our oil practices and policies?"
Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said the discussion with Bush about oil was friendly. "He didn't punch any tables or shout at anybody," the minister said. "I think he was satisfied."
