SINGAPORE: Oil prices recovered some day-earlier losses in Asia on Wednesday, supported by a drop in US commercial crude inventories and the loss of storage capacity in oil producer Libya.
US crude inventories fell by 3 million barrels to 430.6 million barrels in the week to June 15, according to American Petroleum Institute (API) in a weekly report on Tuesday.
Brent crude futures rose 18 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $75.26 per barrel at 0351 GMT, compared with their last close on Tuesday.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 20 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $65.27.
Traders said a drop in Libyan supplies due to the collapse of an estimated 400,000-barrel storage tank also helped push up prices.
Looming larger over markets, however, is a June 22 meeting in Vienna of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) with some other producers, including Russia, to discuss supply.
De-facto OPEC leader and top crude exporter Saudi Arabia, as well as Russia, which is not a member of the cartel but is the world’s biggest oil producer, are pushing to loosen supply controls introduced in 2017 to prop up prices.
Other OPEC-members, including Iran, are against such a move, fearing a sharp slump in prices.
“Saudi Arabia and Russia continued to push for a relaxation in production constraints, going against many other members’ wishes,” ANZ bank said on Wednesday.
“Iran rejected a potential compromise, saying it won’t support even a small increase in oil production. This puts Saudi Arabia in a tough position, as unanimity is needed for any accord to be reached,” it added.
Jack Allardyce, oil-and-gas research analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, said he had the “expectation that supply quotas will be increased, but probably more in line with the smaller range being quoted (300,000-600,000 barrels per day) given the lack of consensus among OPEC members.”
Allardyce said “we could see this knocking $5 per barrel off Brent and perhaps squeezing the WTI discount a little.”
Markets are also anxiously watching trade tensions between the United States and China, in which both sides have threatened to impose stiff duties on each other’s exports, including US crude oil.
A 25 percent tariff on US crude oil imports, as threatened by China in retaliation for duties Washington has announced but not yet implemented against Chinese products, would make American crude uncompetitive in China versus other supplies.
This would almost certainly lead to a sharp drop-off in Chinese purchases of US crude, which have boomed in the last two years to a business now worth around $1 billion per month.
Oil prices gain on lower US crude inventories, Libyan output disruption
Oil prices gain on lower US crude inventories, Libyan output disruption
GAMI showcases achievements at maritime forum in Dhahran
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries highlighted its achievements in local military ship and boat manufacturing, as well as maintenance capabilities, at the 3rd International Saudi Maritime Forum.
In a press statement, GAMI noted that its pavilion also showcased specialized expertise in hull construction and system integration. Established in 2017, GAMI is tasked with regulating, monitoring, enabling, and licensing the Kingdom's military and security industries.
As part of its mission to strengthen the defense sector, GAMI aims to support the growth of Saudi Arabia's military industries and contribute to the country's economic development. The authority also plays a key role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 by aiming to localize more than 50 percent of government defense spending by 2030.
The GAMI pavilion, inaugurated by Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad, GAMI’s deputy governor for strategic planning and execution, was presented to over 55 national and international organizations from 22 countries, including military specialists and academics from both Saudi Arabia and abroad.
The 3rd Saudi International Maritime Forum, organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, kicked off on Nov. 19 in Dhahran and will run through Nov. 21.
The forum is focusing on key developments in regional and international maritime security, while also highlighting the latest technologies, equipment, and maritime systems at both local and global levels.
Saudi Arabia pledges support in combating global financial crimes
RIYADH: The global fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of arms remains a pressing issue, as Saudi Arabia’s central bank governor emphasized the need for international collaboration to address these challenges.
Ayman Al-Sayari, governor of the Saudi Central Bank, reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing these efforts, stating, “We affirm Saudi Arabia’s keenness to unify joint regional efforts in combating money laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of arms, and overcoming the challenges facing all countries.”
His comments came during the conference on “The Latest Developments in Combating Money Laundering, Financing Terrorism, and the Proliferation of Arms,” held on the sidelines of the 39th General Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in Riyadh.
Marking the 20th anniversary of MENAFATF’s establishment, Al-Sayari highlighted its role in raising awareness and supporting regional adherence to international standards. “Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the MENAFATF group, which has contributed to raising awareness, deepening understanding of international requirements at the regional level, and helping relevant authorities enhance their commitment to these requirements,” he said.
Al-Sayari also praised Saudi Arabia’s domestic initiatives aimed at strengthening compliance and combating financial crimes.
“We commend the efforts of the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia through standing committees to enhance efforts and raise commitment to international requirements,” he added.
According to a UN report, an estimated 2 to 5 percent of global gross domestic product—equivalent to $800 billion to $2 trillion—is laundered each year. However, the clandestine nature of money laundering makes it difficult to determine the exact volume of illicit funds in circulation.
Acknowledging the evolving nature of financial crimes, Al-Sayari emphasized the need for proactive legislative and regulatory measures. “In light of the rapid development of money laundering, terrorism financing, and arms proliferation methods, countries must strengthen their legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with these fast-evolving challenges,” he said.
Al-Sayari also affirmed Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the Financial Action Task Force under Mexico’s presidency, reinforcing the Kingdom’s support for global efforts to combat illicit financial flows. “Saudi Arabia participates actively in the FATF’s discussions to ensure that cross-border transfers are more efficient, transparent, and comprehensive without compromising due diligence obligations and measures,” he added.
Elisa Madrazo, president of the FATF, also addressed the conference, highlighting the importance of coordinated global efforts to combat financial crimes. Her remarks underscored FATF’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration among member countries and ensuring adherence to international standards.
During the conference, Al-Sayari met with Madrazo to discuss recent developments and shared interests in anti-money laundering efforts, combating terrorist financing, and addressing the financing of arms proliferation.
Aramco signs agreement to advance SASREF expansion
RIYADH: Energy giant Saudi Aramco and China-based Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. have signed a framework agreement to boost the expansion of a subsidiary of the state-owned oil company.
According to a press statement, the tripartite agreement outlines a cooperation framework and detailed plans to design and develop Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Co. or SASREF. The initiative is expected to enhance SASREF’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.
The deal follows an announcement made in April that Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical had signed a partnership agreement related to the planned formation of a joint venture in SASREF.
Aramco’s long-standing relationship with China spans more than three decades.
This new framework agreement is part of the company’s broader strategy to solidify its position in the global energy landscape while supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth.
“By aligning our efforts, Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical aim to deliver additional value to our stakeholders,” said Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Al-Qahtani.
He added: “This development framework agreement underscores Aramco’s intentions to foster closer collaboration with key partners and progressing its strategic downstream expansion, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. It also highlights the potential of the Kingdom’s downstream sector to attract overseas players.”
Li Shuirong, chairman of Rongsheng Petrochemical, said that the collaborative project will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program and China’s Belt and Road initiative.
“The signing of the development framework agreement sets the stage for Rongsheng Petrochemical’s in-depth participation in the SASREF expansion project,” said Shuirong.
He added: “Saudi Arabia has abundant energy resources and significant market potential, and Rongsheng Petrochemical will bring strong momentum to the partnership through our excellent operation and management capabilities and market competitiveness.”
The SASREF expansion project is located in Jubail Industrial City along the Arabian Gulf coast in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
The project, which is currently in the pre-front-end engineering design stage, envisages the construction of large-scale steam crackers and the integration of associated downstream derivatives into the existing SASREF complex, enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products, the statement added.
Earlier in November, Aramco, in partnership with China Petrochemical & Chemical Corp. and Fujian Petrochemical Co., started the construction of a refinery and petrochemical complex in the Asian nation’s Fujian province.
The undertaking, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2030, includes an oil refinery with a capacity of 320,000 barrels per day, according to a press statement.
It will also have a 1.5 million tonnes-per-year ethylene unit, a 2 million tonnes paraxylene and downstream derivatives capacity, and a 300,000 tonnes crude oil terminal.
COP29: Azerbaijan unveils Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative
RIYADH: Azerbaijan has launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative, a program designed to help farmers combat global warming while ensuring food security.
The initiative, which prioritizes knowledge sharing and climate finance solutions, was announced during a press conference by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, at COP29.
This effort aligns with Azerbaijan’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions, which pledge a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, conditional on international support. The energy sector, responsible for over half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, remains a focal point of Azerbaijan’s climate strategy.
“I am proud to officially announce the launch of the Baku Harmonia Climate Initiative for farmers. It is an inclusive platform designed particularly for women and youth, and aims to strengthen global collaboration,” Mammadov said.
He highlighted that the initiative will focus on promoting technology investments, sustainable practices, and crop diversification.
“Harmonia focuses on sharing knowledge, facilitating climate finance, and addressing the unique challenges farmers face,” he added.
Mammadov emphasized the importance of enhancing farmers’ participation, advancing research and innovation, improving water management systems, and implementing subsidy programs to encourage sustainability.
Also speaking during the conference, COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev underlined the initiative’s significance, noting the momentum gained from international cooperation.
“We have been encouraged by the positive signals from the G20 to our ongoing efforts,” Rafiyev said. However, he stressed that current climate finance levels remain insufficient and require scaling up.
As a significant producer of fossil fuels, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, like last year’s host, the UAE, signifies a shift toward sustainable climate policies.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev recently told Arab News that hosting the conference reflects his country’s commitment to driving change.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,876
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Tuesday, as it gained 45.53 points or 0.38 percent to close at 11,875.91.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.09 billion ($1.62 billion) with 138 stocks advancing, while 90 declining.
The parallel market, Nomu, however, marginally slipped by 0.09 percent to 29,570.56.
The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 4.76 points to close at 1,491.83.
The best-performing stock of the day was Shatirah House Restaurant Co., also known as Burgerizzr. The company’s share price increased by 9.98 percent to SR22.26.
The share price of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. increased by 8.29 percent to SR14.10, while the stock price of Development Works Food Co. surged by 6.85 percent to SR131.
Conversely, the share price of Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. slipped by 9.68 percent to SR0.28.
On the parallel market, the best performer was Knowledge Tower Trading Co., whose share price surged by 9.61 percent to SR10.84.
On the announcements front, Molan Steel Co. said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Yara International Limited Co. to acquire 100 percent of Mayar International Industry.
In a Tadawul statement, the company said that the financial consideration for the transaction depends on the results of the financial evaluation and due diligence.
The company added that the transaction will be financed through Molan Steel’s cash flows and resources.
According to the statement, the acquisition will be subject to a number of regulatory approvals including relevant authorities in the Kingdom.
Molan Steel Co.’s share price increased by 2.84 percent to SR3.26.
