by James Hamilton The recently announced Saudi oil production increases are more modest than had been suggested in some of the earlier rumors. The Oil Drum ([1],[2]) is your source for the meaning of the latest announcements.

Article Source: A potentially huge story from the New York Times. NYT reports: Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, is planning to increase its output next month by about a half-million barrels a day, according to analysts and oil traders who have been briefed by Saudi officials. The increase could bring Saudi output to a production level of 10 million barrels a day, which, if sustained, would be the kingdom's highest ever. The move was seen as a sign that the Saudis are becoming increasingly nervous about both the political and economic effect of high oil prices. In recent weeks, soaring fuel costs have incited demonstrations and protests from Italy to Indonesia. Saudi Arabia is currently pumping 9.45 million barrels a day, which is an increase of about 300,000 barrels from last month. Data source: 2004 through March 2008: EIA; April-June: numbers discussed in NYT article....