Saudi Arabian oil production rose in September.

Saudi production jumped to between 3.6 million and 3.8 million barrels a day last month, up from between 2.8 million and 3 million barrels a day in September. The increase was attributed to price reductions put into effect by the Saudis through “net-back” pricing agreements with Exxon, Mobil and Texaco. North Sea production rose 13.4% in September to 3.4 million barrels daily. The increase was attributed to the reopening of oil fields after summer maintenance shutdowns and the opening of a new oil field.