Investing.com -- OPEC crude production dropped by 830,000 barrels per day in April to 20.04 million bpd, marking the lowest output in more than 20 years.

April's production level represents the lowest OPEC output since at least 2000, excluding membership changes, and falls below the levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when demand collapsed. The decline came as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and forced export reductions, according to a report from Reuters citing its own survey.

The 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries saw its April production fall from March levels, which were revised 700,000 bpd lower due to changes in Saudi Arabia estimates.

Eight members of OPEC+, which includes OPEC and allies such as Russia, had planned to resume production increases in April. The outbreak of war with Iran on February 28 and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz prevented the delivery of this agreement.

Kuwait recorded the largest production decline among OPEC members in April, reflecting a full month of disrupted exports. Saudi Arabia and Iraq also experienced further decreases in output, the report said.

The United Arab Emirates was the only Gulf member to increase production during the month. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE maintain export routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, with tanker data showing higher UAE exports in April.

Venezuela and Libya also raised output during April. The UAE departed from OPEC effective May 1.