NEW YORK: US crude oil and gasoline stockpiles fell last week, while distillate inventories rose, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.
Crude inventories fell 2.5 million barrels in the week to June 16, surpassing analysts’ expectations for a decrease of 2.1 million barrels, as imports rose marginally by 56,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub for US crude futures fell by 1.08 million barrels, EIA said.
The price gains in the report’s immediate aftermath were hard to sustain because they were not structural changes said Abhishek Kumar, Senior Energy Analyst at Interfax Energy’s Global Gas Analytics in London.
“US crude and gasoline stockpiles are significantly higher compared with their five-year averages, which will weigh on prices,” Kumar said. “Meanwhile, oil output in the country is still rising despite recent declines in oil prices.”
US crude production has been steadily growing and last week rose to 9.35 million bpd, up 20,000 bpd from the previous week, the EIA said.
Gasoline stocks fell 578,000 barrels, compared with analysts’ expectations for a seasonally unusual 443,000-barrel gain, which had been seen as bearish in the market. Stocks of the motor fuel had also risen unexpectedly by 2.1 million barrels in the previous week, despite the start of the summer driving season.
“Gasoline demand rebounded smartly to more normal levels for this time year, giving credence to the view that some of the lackluster demand was weather-related,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital Management.
Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, rose 1.1 million barrels, versus expectations for a 465,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.
Refinery crude runs fell by 104,000 bpd as utilization rates fell 0.4 percentage point to 94 percent of total capacity, EIA data showed.
US oil, gasoline stockpiles fall: EIA
US oil, gasoline stockpiles fall: EIA
Saudi economic success being driven by ‘key North Star, not egos,’ says finance minister at WEF
- Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlights Kingdom’s shift from short-term budgets to longer-term fiscal planning, ensuring clear priorities and disciplined spending
- Transformation driven by clear decisions and significant investments led to strong economic performance, adds economic planning chief Faisal Al-Ibrahim
DAVOS: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan on Thursday said that the Kingdom’s economic planners were being driven by their “North Star” and not egos as they look to maintain growth in the economy.
Speaking on a panel about the Saudi economy at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, Al-Jadaan highlighted Saudi Arabia’s shift from short-term budgets to longer-term fiscal planning, ensuring clear priorities and disciplined spending.
He said that there was flexibility and a readiness within the government to adapt plans based on global circumstances. “I’ve said this repeatedly, we don’t have egos. We are willing to change depending on circumstances and we will continue to do that. We will prioritize what matters,” he said.
“Our key North Star is what is driving us, and the tools can change, the means can change. It’s really that North Star that we are looking forward to,” he said.
He emphasized the progress and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy under Vision 2030, noting that the plan had mobilized the entire nation — government, businesses, right down to citizens — toward clear, long-term goals.
He attributed this success to visionary leadership, tough decision-making and consistent execution, adding that this approach could be a universal “recipe” for unlocking global potential.
On the Saudi-US relationship, Al-Jadaan highlighted its strategic importance over the past eight decades, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia had maintained strong economic, diplomatic and security ties with Washington, regardless of the administration in power, whether Republican or Democrat.
He described the partnership as a “win-win situation” that remained vital and was likely to endure into the foreseeable future.
Al-Jadaan was joined on the panel by Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, who attributed the Kingdom’s strong economic performance to a first wave of transformation driven by clear, courageous decisions and significant investments, not only financially but also in terms of effort and planning.
Looking ahead, Al-Ibrahim stressed that the next phase of Vision 2030 would focus on addressing more complex challenges, particularly in enabling the private sector.
He emphasized the goal of increasing the private sector’s contribution to 65 percent of GDP by fostering collaboration, co-developing opportunities and creating an environment where private enterprises could take the lead in driving economic growth.
Key priorities include enhancing institutional capabilities, ensuring policy clarity and predictability, and addressing barriers to innovation-driven entrepreneurship, he said.
Al-Ibrahim also underlined the government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector, noting that ministers and their teams often worked long hours to respond to and engage with private enterprises. This collaborative approach, he said, was deeply embedded in the country’s Vision 2030 blueprint for economic transformation.
IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva, who was also on the panel, praised Saudi Arabia’s transformation efforts, highlighting the country’s ability to create an appealing environment for business and tourism.
She commended its forward-thinking approach in engaging the private sector to diversify experiences and attract repeat visitors. Referring to her visit to AlUla, she said: “I didn’t know what to expect, but I came out thinking it was great we decided to open our regional office in Riyadh.”
Georgieva also noted Saudi Arabia’s strategic planning to host global events and foster economic growth. She described the country as a “good example of transformation” that others could look to for inspiration in creating dynamic, sustainable growth through proactive planning and investment.
Lebanon’s inflation rate drops to 45% in 2024, marking a return to double-digit figures
- Monthly inflation also increased by 2.38% in December, marking the third consecutive monthly rise
- Key contributors included miscellaneous goods and services, which rose 39.69% annually
RIYADH: Lebanon’s economic landscape showed signs of stabilization in 2024, with inflation rates returning to double-digit levels after three years of hyperinflation that had exceeded 200 percent.
The annual inflation rate stood at 45.24 percent last year, a substantial drop from the staggering 221.3 percent recorded in 2023, according to data from the Central Administration of Statistics.
Lebanon has endured prolonged economic instability, with the Lebanese lira losing 90 percent of its value since the crisis began in 2019. The drop in inflation aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s October forecast, which projected inflation in the Middle East and North Africa region to ease to 3.3 percent in 2024.
Last year represented a period of relative calm in terms of price volatility. Monthly inflation indices revealed a deceleration in price growth. The index for December reached 30,936.02, compared to 30,147.41 in November, showing a modest increase compared to the unpredictable fluctuations of prior years.
The slowdown in inflation is largely due to the stabilization of the Lebanese lira, driven by Banque du Liban’s monetary policies since 2023. By the spring of last year, the exchange rate had settled at around 89,500 Lebanese liras per dollar, following a sharp rise from 40,000 to 140,000 earlier in 2023.
This stability helped bring annual inflation below 100 percent in April, reaching 18.1 percent by December, though the same month’s inflation rose slightly from November’s 15.38 percent.
Monthly inflation also increased by 2.38 percent in December, marking the third consecutive monthly rise, following 2.02 percent in October and 2.30 percent in November.
Key contributors to inflation in December included miscellaneous goods and services, which rose 39.69 percent annually, education fees at 31.27 percent, and health care at 22.93 percent. Only communications and furniture saw price declines at 2.99 percent and 1.99 percent, respectively.
Lebanon’s state-owned telecom firm, Ogero, said it is working to restore and expand its connectivity. The firm’s Chairman and Director General Imad Kreidieh announced in a live broadcast on Jan. 21 that the company’s expansion plans will resume, supported by funding from multiple donors.
North Lebanon recorded the highest monthly increase in December at 3.79 percent, followed by Beirut and Nabatieh at 3.59 percent, and South Lebanon at 2.97 percent.
The drop in inflation offers some relief to the Lebanese people, but with the election of former army commander Joseph Aoun as president on Jan. 9 and the appointment of the Chief Judge of the International Court of Justice, Nawaf Salam, as prime minister on Jan. 13, the need for comprehensive reform remains urgent.
The political breakthrough has also sparked a rally in Lebanon’s government bonds, which have nearly tripled in value since September. The election of Aoun, following 12 failed attempts to choose a president, has raised hopes that Lebanon might finally address its economic challenges.
Most of the country’s international bonds, in default since 2020, rallied further after Aoun’s election, rising by nearly 0.9 cents on the dollar to around 16 cents — a modest recovery that underscores investor optimism despite Lebanon’s ongoing struggles.
Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding terminates $1.8bn fund deal with Sumou, JEC
JEDDAH: Saudi-based conglomerate Kingdom Holding Co. has confirmed the termination of its SR6.8 billion ($1.8 billion) fund agreement with Sumou Holding Co. and Jeddah Economic Co., following a mutual decision by all parties.
In a filing with the Tadawul stock exchange, KHC said the move, effective Jan. 23, imposes no obligations on any party, adding that this decision was reached as the primary purpose of the fund is no longer applicable.
Progress continues on the fund’s main asset, Jeddah Tower, with the Saudi Binladin Group reinstated and work resuming at an accelerated pace. Technical and consulting teams are now in place and have commenced on-site operations.
The release added that the Alinma Jeddah Economic City Fund, fully owned by JEC – an associate firm – remains operational, saying that KHC continues to support the project’s development.
In July, the three firms signed an agreement to establish a new fund to acquire the Alinma Jeddah Economic Fund, whose investors would include the three companies, with KHC owning 40 percent of the new fund.
In a Tadawul announcement, KHC said last year that the financial impact of the agreement would be disclosed once JEC completed updating its accounting records.
The latest announcement said the concrete was poured for the 64th floor of the tower in the presence of the partners, headed by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, KHC’s chairman of the board of directors.
It added that the partners were giving their utmost attention and oversight to this global symbol, which aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.
Jeddah Economic City aims to showcase its pioneering ambitions through the Jeddah Tower, envisioned as a new wonder of the world and a symbol of Jeddah’s renaissance. The tower also reflects the city’s rich commercial heritage spanning thousands of years, according to the company’s website.
Set to stand over 1 km. tall, the tower will be the centerpiece of the Jeddah Tower Waterfront District.
Qatar strengthens fiscal position with $245m budget surplus in Q4
RIYADH: Qatar recorded a budget surplus of 900 million Qatari riyals ($245.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from 100 million riyals in the previous quarter.
The Ministry of Finance stated on its X account that the surplus will be used to reduce public debt. It added that total expenditures for the quarter stood at 47.8 billion riyals, a 12 percent year-on-year decline, while revenues totaled 48.7 billion riyals, reflecting a 12.5 percent drop.
The health, municipal and environment, general secretariat, and energy sectors ranked as the top-performing areas during the quarter, according to the Sector Performance Index.
Qatar’s fiscal performance aligns with other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, such as Oman, which recorded a 6.2 percent budget surplus in 2024. This reflects the International Monetary Fund’s December review, which highlighted the region’s resilience amid oil production cuts, supported by diversification efforts and economic reforms.
“For the second consecutive year, and in line with Qatar’s continued dedication to developing health and education, allocations for the two sectors have increased, with both amounting to 20 percent of the total new budget,” the ministry said.
Government tenders and auctions during the quarter were valued at 6.4 billion riyals, while contracts with local companies totaled 4.8 billion riyals, a 36.8 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023.
The 2024 state budget prioritized significant investments in healthcare, with 11 percent of total expenditures allocated to the sector. Key projects include the development of the National Cancer Hospital, a specialized psychiatric hospital, and upgrades to existing healthcare facilities.
In the third quarter of 2024, Qatar’s budget surplus declined by 97.4 percent compared to the second quarter. Total revenues for that period were 51.3 billion riyals, driven by oil and gas revenues of 42.3 billion riyals, which fell 25.4 percent year on year due to fluctuating market conditions.
Non-oil revenues, however, showed strong growth, rising 76.8 percent year on year from a lower base.
Expenditures totaled 51.2 billion riyals in the third quarter, a 2.8 percent increase compared to the same quarter in 2023, with notable spending on salaries, wages, and minor capital expenditures.
The government prioritized debt reduction during the period, in line with its fiscal strategy. Public debt stood at 332.4 billion riyals, equivalent to 38.6 percent of nominal gross domestic product.
Saudia sets new heights in 2024, flying 20m international passengers with 16% growth
- Saudia reported an 18% increase in transit guests compared to the previous year, surpassing 9.3 million passengers
- It carried 35 million guests throughout 2024, reflecting a 15% year-on-year increase
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier Saudia reported a 16 percent year-on-year rise in its international passenger numbers in 2024, reaching 20 million, highlighting its growth and operational success.
Saudia also reported an 18 percent increase in transit guests compared to the previous year, surpassing 9.3 million passengers, according to its performance report statement, released on Jan. 23.
The growth reflects the carrier’s efforts to strengthen global connections to the Kingdom, supporting the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in tourism, entertainment, sports, and the Muslim Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
According to the International Air Transport Association, the Middle East’s air travel market continued its strong recovery in November, with passenger demand increasing by 8.9 percent compared to the same month in 2023.
While this growth was robust, it was slightly ahead of the global trend, which saw an 8.1 percent increase in total passenger demand.
The region’s performance was part of a broader international trend, where the Middle East, alongside Europe and Asia-Pacific, led the way in demand growth. However, airlines in the region continue to face challenges in aircraft supply, preventing them from fully meeting growing demand and improving their services, IATA said in a statement released earlier this month.
Major international markets in the Middle East experienced a notable increase in traffic demand, driven by the strong performance of the region’s largest aviation hubs, despite some countries facing challenges from geopolitical conflicts, according to IATA.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, the director general of Saudia Group, said that success in the competitive aviation industry requires a continuously evolving strategy, adding that the airline remains committed to achieving sustainable operational excellence while upholding the highest international standards.
“This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Saudia’s employees and the strategic optimization of our aircraft fleet to deliver exceptional service. We have also made significant strides in enhancing our services and enriching the overall guest experience,” he said.
In its report, Saudia said that it carried 35 million guests throughout 2024, reflecting a 15 percent year-on-year increase.
The airline reported operating 193,000 scheduled and additional flights last year, reflecting a 10 percent increase from the year before, adding that it also achieved an 8.5 percent rise in flight hours, totaling over 581,000, while maintaining an on-time performance rate of 89.1 percent, marking a 2.7 percent improvement.
The company’s customer satisfaction metric showed a 32.7 score, reflecting a 4.5 percent increase compared to 2023, according to the statement.
Saudia said it saw a notable increase in guest engagement through modern technologies as part of its ongoing digital transformation. It noted a 40 percent rise in usage of the Saudia app, while the Government Digital Wallet, GovClick, drove an impressive 324 percent growth in digital service adoption.
The company’s futuristic plans include strengthening its operational model, particularly during peak travel seasons, by expanding its fleet, increasing seat capacity, and broadening its global network.
With a current fleet of 147 aircraft, the airline aims to add 118 new planes in the coming years as part of its growth strategy.
