Vienna  - The price for oil produced by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cleared the 44-dollar mark on Monday, the Vienna-based cartel announced on Tuesday.

One barrel (159 litres) of OPEC-produced crude stood at 44.14 dollars at the start of the week, 0.99 dollars higher than last Friday.

OPEC calculates a basket price based on 12 brands produced by its members. (dpa)