KUWAIT CITY, 17 March 2004 — Kuwait is ready to consider delaying a scheduled OPEC output cut next month provided there is a shortage in supplies and prices remain high, the emirate’s energy minister said yesterday. “The delay is possible if we find that the surplus is less than 3.5 million barrels and prices are high because of demand,” Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd told reporters in parliament. “I believe it is the duty of OPEC to cooperate positively,” he added.