A shake-up at OPEC, As Qatar announces it's leaving the oil exporter's group in January.

Doha says the move is not a political decision, Even if its locked in a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia, The de-factor leader of OPEC, The Saudis - along with the likes of the UAE and Egypt - cut trade and transport ties with Qatar in June 2017, Accusing the state of supporting terrorism and Iran.

Allegations the Qataris deny.

They claims they wants out to focus on shoring up its position as the world's top exporter of liquefied natural gas.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) COMMERZBANK, GLOBAL FINANCIAL ECONOMIST, PETER DIXON, SAYING: "I think Qatar has been under great pressure from some of its neighbours in The Gulf for some time now.

So, it is slightly surprising its pulling out and then claiming its not a political issue.

It strikes me it can only be that." Qatar is a long-standing member of OPEC, Joining 57 years ago.

It produces a small amount of oil compared to it Saudi neighbour, But has huge reserve of natural gas, producing 77 million tonnes per year.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) COMMERZBANK, GLOBAL FINANCIAL ECONOMIST, PETER DIXON, SAYING: "I don't think it makes a big difference, certainly with regards to crude Qatar is a very small player in this game and I think we can only look at their decision to leave OPEC as some form of symbolic gesture.

Quite what they're trying to tell us at this point I'm not so sure." Qatar's Energy Minister said they will still attend OPEC'S meeting this week.

Where members are expected to agree on a supply cut, Despite a five percent rise in oil prices on Monday.

Since October crude prices have fallen by more than a quarter.