Brent was down $2.08, or 2%, at $100.70 a barrel, WTI lost $2.19, or 2.2%, to $96.07.

Germany and Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas supplies cannot be eliminated in the short term without considerable economic damage.

Brent advanced by 16 cents, or 0.2% to $100.77 a barrel, WTI gained 35 cents, or 4%, to $96.37 a barrel.

OPEC's 13 members raised output by 60,000 b/d to 28.73 million b/d, but that was more than offset by a 160,000 b/d decline by the bloc's nine allies, who pumped 13.91 million b/d.

Novak is Russia's key negotiator in the OPEC+ group, which has resisted calls from consumers to increase production.

Up until now, Europe has not announced an energy emergency plan. However, the latest figures show that Europe's gas storage capacity is only 26% full.

Brent climbed $1.05 or 1.%, to $102.12 a barrel, WTI rose 86 cents, or 0.9%, to $97.09 a barrel.

Fuel oil represented the bulk of the exports to China, with 394,200 mt exported, 43.6% higher on the month. Diesel exports recorded similar growth of 39.5% to 343,100 mt. Bitumen and residue amounted to 18,700 mt, marking a 34.9% increase on February. Overall, 756,900 mt of oil products headed to China last month.

Hungary will pay for shipments in roubles if Russia asks it to, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a news conference on Wednesday in reply to a Reuters question.

Brent were up 49 cents, or 0.5%, at $107.13 a barrel , WTI climbed 21 cents, or 0.2%, to $102.17 a barrel.