CUE THE WORLD’S SMALLEST VIOLIN: OPEC fails to reach oil production deal.

Although a deal was not expected, the failure to reach an accord underscores the increasingly disparate interests within the organization. Two members in particular — Saudi Arabia and Iran — are engaged in a geopolitical standoff, and analysts say neither country wants to yield market share to the other.

“Member countries,” OPEC said in a statement following the meeting, “confirmed their commitment to a stable and balanced oil market, with prices at levels that are suitable for both producers and consumers.”

So the oil will continue to flow.

It couldn’t happen to a nicer cartel.