RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s refinery crude exports surged 23 percent in September compared to the previous month, to reach 1.54 million barrels per day – the highest level for almost two years.

According to figures from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative, the increase to a 23-month high was fueled by strong demand for refined products, including diesel, motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, and fuel oil. 

Diesel led the export mix, accounting for 47 percent of shipments, with volumes rising 35 percent month on month to 727,000 bpd. Motor and aviation gasoline made up 23 percent of exports, while fuel oil contributed 7 percent. 

Refinery output in Saudi Arabia remained steady at 2.76 million bpd, with diesel representing 44 percent of refined products, followed by motor and aviation gasoline at 25 percent, and fuel oil at 17 percent. 

Crude oil exports rose modestly by 1.41 percent to 5.75 million bpd, while production edged down by 0.19 percent to 8.97 million bpd. 

Despite the rise in exports, domestic petroleum demand dropped sharply by 267,000 bpd to 2.62 million bpd, possibly due to seasonal factors and improved efficiency. 

OPEC announced in November that eight key OPEC+ nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq, have agreed to extend voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million bpd through December.  

Initially introduced in 2023 to stabilize the oil market, the cuts reflect the group’s commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation, with plans to offset overproduction by September 2025. Iraq, along with Russia and Kazakhstan, reaffirmed adherence to the agreement and compensation schedules earlier this month.  

Direct crude usage 

Saudi Arabia’s direct crude oil burn dropped significantly in September, falling by 296,000 bpd compared to August to 518,000 bpd — a 36.4 percent decline and the lowest level in five months. 

This decline is largely attributed to seasonal temperature changes, as the weather begins to cool from the peak summer heat, reducing the demand for air conditioning and, consequently, the need for crude oil in power generation. 

Compared to September last year, the lower burn levels also reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and diversify its power sources. 

By expanding its natural gas network and scaling up renewable energy projects, the Kingdom is reducing its reliance on crude oil for electricity generation, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy for a sustainable and diversified energy mix. 

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Black Arrow Tire Co., or Blatco, has partnered with Thailand’s Golden Star Rubber Co. to build the Middle East’s largest tire manufacturing facility in Yanbu, with a $470 million investment. 

The plant will initially produce 4 million tires annually for passenger vehicles, with plans to expand production to 6 million tires per year, including truck and bus tires.

The Yanbu facility is set to boost Saudi Arabia’s industrial capabilities and will create more than 2,000 local jobs. The partnership will supply the facility with the natural rubber required for tire production in the Kingdom. 

The Saudi tire market, which produced 22.6 million units in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.26 percent, reaching 25.5 million units by 2032, according to market research firm IMARC Group. 

Largely import-driven, the sector is dominated by Chinese tire brands due to their affordability and availability. However, flagship brands have gained traction in recent years, thanks to their higher quality and longer product lifecycles, the report added.

The ceremony to mark the deal, signed by Blatco Chairman Abdullah Al-Wahibi and Golden Star Rubber Chairman Amir Zafar, was also attended by Hassan Al-Huwaizi, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Al-Ekhbariya reported. 

The agreement aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to localize industries, transfer knowledge, and support domestic content. The partnership is also supported by the Saudi-Thai Business Council, aimed at strengthening commercial and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. 

The plant will be situated in the Kingdom’s industrial city on the Red Sea, under the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. Blatco officials anticipate that 50 percent of production will be consumed locally, with the remainder to be exported to regional markets. 

Earlier this year, Blatco signed a 20-year technology export agreement with South Korea’s Kumho Tire. As part of the deal, Kumho Tire agreed to supply Blatco with the technology to produce passenger car tires for the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. 

Founded in Riyadh in 2019, Blatco aims to become a key player in automotive manufacturing and distribution in the region. The company focuses on contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economy, creating jobs, and supporting technology transfer initiatives, according to its website. 

In October 2023, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund announced a separate $550 million tire factory in a joint venture with Italy’s Pirelli. 

PIF holds a 75 percent stake in the venture, with Pirelli providing technology and commercial support. The facility, set to begin operations in 2026, will produce tires for passenger vehicles under the Pirelli brand and a new local brand for domestic and regional markets.