LONDON (AFX) - Crude oil prices were down in early London trade, on follow-through selling after Russia's announcement of 50,000 barrels per day cut in the fourth quarter and a promise of further discussions pertaining to first quarter cuts in December, analysts said. At 10.30 am, brent crude oil for January delivery traded at 18.75 usd per barrel, down 58 cents on Friday's closing level. Over the weekend OPEC's members have voiced concerns on Russia's latest decision on production and exports cut. An advisor to the Saudi Arabian oil minister was quoted as saying: "Russia's decision to cut production and exports by 50,000 bpd has caused a kind of disappointment in the market... -- although it is better than the quantity previously proposed (30,000 bpd) -- it is considered too little by all standard." "It is noticeable that the Russian government has left the door open for cooperation by its decision to review the issue at the beginning of December. There is a thorough discussion within the Russian government and Russian oil industry (about further cuts) and this is a sound and healthy situation that prompts optimism," he added. OPEC president Chakib Khelil is set to be meeting with the CEO of Russia's largest oil company Lukoil on December 2 in Algiers. "The real question is why Russia present such a small output cut to the world. Russia oil companies knew it would be seen as too little by OPEC," said GNIS's analyst Lawrence Eagles. The analyst believes that an agreement has not yet been reached between the Russian government and the oil company concerned. "Russia will probably cut, but at its own pace. It does not want to be seen to be bending to OPEC's demand," he said. Some observers suggested it (Russia's delayed decision) was a test to prices, said Eagles. Separately, analysts noted that guarded criticism of Norway's offer to cut up to 200,000 barrels per day in output. Norway indicated its production cuts would come from planned production levels but one Gulf source was quoted saying that non-OPEC cuts "should not come from projections for exports for the next six months but from current production levels." A failure by non-OPEC countries to cut production down by 500,000 barrels per day in January could well jeopardise OPEC's own 1.5 mln bpd cut offer. So far the production cuts announced by non-OPEC countries amount to nearly 300,000 barrels per day.