Saudis to Boost Oil Output to Record Level

Saudi Arabia aims to put the brakes on oil prices by raising output to its highest ever, the New York Times reports. The kingdom resisted calls from President Bush earlier this year to boost production, but is now concerned that record oil prices could lead to lower demand in the long term by cutting economic growth and making alternative fuels more viable.

News of the Saudi plans sent the price of oil down by nearly $2 yesterday. Some analysts, however, think the move could backfire on the Saudis or doubt the kingdom has the capacity to raise production much higher. The move could put Saudi Arabia at odds with its OPEC partners, who blame speculation and the weak dollar instead of supplies for the price of oil. (More Saudi Arabia stories.)