Saudi oil minister says he expects no change in OPEC output for the rest of the year

Saudi sees steady OPEC output for 2010

VIENNA — Saudi Arabia’s oil minister says he expects OPEC oil production to remain steady for the rest of the year.

Ali Naimi’s comments come as oil ministers for the 12-nation production group prepare to meet for talks on output.

Saudi Arabia is OPEC’s top producer and usually sets the lead on how much the organization should be producing.

Oil is trading at just over $80 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.