Russia aims to keep oil output around current level after OPEC deal

Russia is aiming to keep its oil production at near-record levels despite OPEC's decision to modestly reduce its output, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday. Oil producers' group OPEC agreed on Wednesday to limit its output to 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd) to prop up weak crude prices that have hurt commodity-dependent economies across the world. Novak's comments are the first high-level response to the deal from non-OPEC member Russia, a major crude producer.