Oil prices surge after Saudi oil attacks

16 September 2019
Attacks at Abqaiq and Khurais have resulted in the suspension of 5.7 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil production

Oil prices settled after an initial spike in early trading on 16 September following the attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq and Khurais oil production facilities that have resulted in the suspension of 5.7 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil production.

The price of Brent crude jumped by more than $11 to $71.95 a barrel during early morning trading in the Far East. The price then fell to $66.13 a barrel by the start of business in the Gulf. Prices closed at $60.22 a barrel on 13 September.

US President Donald Trump said overnight that the US would release oil held in a strategic oil reserve, a move that will help alleviate the pressure on the oil price.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1173354644636127232?s=20

It is not yet clear how long Saudi oil production will be disrupted for. On 14 September, Saudi Aramco said emergency crews had contained the resulting fires at Abqaiq and Khurais, adding that the firm would publish an update in 48 hours.

In addition to the disruption to oil production, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said the attacks have also suspended the production of an estimated 2 billion cubic feet a day of associated gas used to produce 700,000 b/d of natural gas liquids. This will reduce the supply of ethane and natural gas liquids by up to about 50 per cent.

For the local market, the Energy Ministry said the attacks have not affected the supply of electricity and water from fuel, or the supply of fuel to the local market.

MEED comment: Saudi oil attacks will test commitment to transparency

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