The plant will handle an increase in petrol, diesel and fuel oil supplies to the region, with capacity to handle 185,000 barrels a day (b/d) of oil.

The winning contractor will build tanks, petrol and diesel-loading pumps, and substation buildings, as well as carrying out general civil and structural works.

Contracting sources in the kingdom expect Aramco to issue invitation-to-bid notices by the end of August. Some 18 companies have already expressed interest in the scheme.

By the end of August, local contractors expect Aramco to award a $300m contract to expand 12 existing bulk plants that serve as oil distribution centres.

The contract covers bulk plants in the Eastern Province, the central region, the southwest and the northwest (MEED 29:5:09).