Russian oil output remained unchanged in May at a post-Soviet high of 10.71 million barrels per day (bpd), Energy Ministry data showed on Tuesday, three days before OPEC meets to decide on output levels. In tonnes, oil output rose to 45.288 million from 43.830 million in April while gas production fell to 48.28 billion cubic meters (bcm) last month, or 1.56 bcm a day, from 52.64 bcm in April. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which controls more than 40 percent of the world’s crude oil production, meets this Friday in Vienna. Analysts expect the bloc to maintain current output levels. OPEC sources have said an output cut would only be possible if other oil-producing nations such as Russia join in. Oil revenues are the cornerstone for many countries’ budgets, including Russia. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak is due to meet OPEC officials this week ahead […]