(Bloomberg) -- OPEC meetings often run into delays, and its 60th anniversary celebrations are no exception: the event will now take place almost two years late.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is postponing the festivities, due to take place in Baghdad -- where the group was founded in 1960 -- until the first quarter next year, delegates say. It had been scheduled for Sept. 30. 

The ceremony is being deferred to avoid any clash with upcoming elections in Iraq and a conference in the United Arab Emirates, one delegate said.

Still, the rearrangement won’t interfere though with the next policy-setting meeting of the group and its allies, due to be held online on Oct. 1.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.