Based in Vienna, Austria, it is responsible for carrying out the executive functions of the organization. The Secretariat consists of the Secretary General, as chief executive, and a Research Division comprising a Director of Research, and the Data Services, Energy Studies and Petroleum Market Analysis Departments. Other departments include an Administration and Human Resources Department, a PR and Information Department, the Office of the Secretary. The OPEC statute requires OPEC to pursue stability and prosperity in the petroleum market and we do this for the benefit of both oil producers and consumers. To this end, OPEC member countries respond to market fundamentals and forecast developments by coordinating their petroleum policies.
Production quotas are simply one possible response.
If demand grows, or some oil producers are producing less oil, OPEC can increase its oil production in order to prevent a sudden rise in prices. OPEC might also reduce its oil production in response to market conditions in order to counter falling prices. OPEC is a voluntary organization that aims to coordinate the production policies of its member countries through consensus decision-making. Each member country retains absolute sovereignty over its oil production. Member countries agree by unanimous vote on any such production ceilings and their allocation to the respective member countries.