As a result, Russian companies are now pumping more oil.
They have also continued their financial support of the Iraqi war effort by pumping more oil in the the market.
If they pump more oil, that would push prices down.
There is also the prospect of more oil being pumped.
In 1997 the facility began to pump oil from the sea bottom.
What would lead the Saudis to start pumping enough oil to lower prices?
But analysts and government officials say they expect major producers to start pumping more oil soon.
They will probably pump more oil in coming months.
If Iran stopped pumping oil, other producers would not be able to make up the loss.
They have new doubts about the world's ability to pump enough oil to keep pace with demand.