ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — OPEC's unexpected understanding to trim production shows the cartel still has the resolve — and even desperation — to try to guide energy markets higher. Ministers from the oil cartel reached a preliminary deal Wednesday in Algeria to cut production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest producer, played a key role in the OPEC policies that helped push oil prices sharply lower over the past couple of years. Instead of cutting production, OPEC opted to pump at high volumes to maintain market share and, seemingly, to drive U.S.