KUWAITI DAILY SAYS OPEC CREDIBILITY AT STAKE OPEC's credibility faces fresh scrutiny in coming weeks amid signs of a significant rise in supplies of oil to international oil markets, the Kuwait daily al-Qabas said. In an article headlined, "Gulf oil sources say Middle East production up 1.4 mln bpd," it warned OPEC's official prices could face fresh pressure from international oil companies seeking cheaper supplies. It did not say whether only OPEC or both OPEC and other producers were behind the reported rise in Mideast output. Nor did it specify if the sources were official or other contacts. "The sources said the credibility of OPEC would come under fresh scrutiny from today (Monday), with activity in the European and American markets," the daily said. The sources were quoted as saying that after OPEC had in March demonstrated its commitment to quota agreements, some members had raised output last week. It gave no details. "Dealers in oil markets were now waiting to see if Opec was able to control production, or whether the days of cheating and producing over quotas has begun anew," it said. The sources warned that "maybe the (price of a) barrel of oil will fall below 18, perhaps 17.80 dlrs this week or next if there is no control on supplies," it said. "The sources believed a return of oil below 18 dlrs a barrel may open the doors for international oil companies to pressure OPEC over contract prices, similar to the struggle last March," it said, apparently referring to resistance by buyers to lift from Qatar unless it gave price discounts. "More than one official has warned OPEC would find its solidarity under scrutiny by the end of April or start of May," it said, noting demand usually fell with the onset of summer.