compare and contrast between 2 reports
Q3 2017 www.bmiresearch.com
SAUDI ARABIA OIL & GAS REPORT INCLUDES 10-YEAR FORECASTS TO 2026
Published by:BMI Research
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017 INCLUDES 10-YEAR FORECASTS TO 2026
Part of BMI’s Industry Report & Forecasts Series
Published by: BMI Research
Copy deadline: May 2017
ISSN: 1748-4219
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CONTENTS
BMI Industry View ............................................................................................................... 7 Table: Headline Forecasts (Saudi Arabia 2015-2021) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SWOT .................................................................................................................................... 8 Oil & Gas SWOT ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Industry Forecast ................................................................................................................ 9 Upstream Exploration ................................................................................................................................ 9
Latest Updates ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Structural Trends ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Upstream Projects ................................................................................................................................... 12 Table: Key Upstream Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Upstream Production - Oil ........................................................................................................................ 14
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 14 Table: Oil Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Table: Oil Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Upstream Production - Gas ....................................................................................................................... 17
Latest Updates ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 17 Table: Gas Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table: Gas Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Refining ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Latest Updates ....................................................................................................................................... 22
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 22 Table: Refining Capacity And Refined Products Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table: Refining Capacity And Refined Products Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Refined Fuels Consumption ....................................................................................................................... 26
Latest Updates ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 26 Table: Saudi Arabia Fuel Price Reform, December 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Table: Refined Products Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Table: Refined Products Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Gas Consumption .................................................................................................................................... 30
Latest Updates ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 30 Table: Gas Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Table: Gas Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Trade - Oil ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Latest Updates ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Crude Oil Trade Forecast ........................................................................................................................ 33
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 33 Table: Crude Oil Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2015-2021) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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Table: Crude Oil Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Refined Fuels Trade Forecast .................................................................................................................. 37
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 37 Table: Refined Fuels Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Table: Refined Fuels Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Trade - Gas (Pipeline and LNG) ................................................................................................................. 39
Structural Trends ................................................................................................................................... 39
Industry Risk Reward Index ............................................................................................. 40 Middle East & North Africa - Upstream Industry Risk/Reward Index ................................................................. 40
Middle East & North Africa - Downstream Industry Risk/Reward Index ............................................................. 47
Market Overview ............................................................................................................... 55 Saudi Arabia Energy Market Overview ........................................................................................................ 55
Regulatory Structure ............................................................................................................................... 55
Licensing Regime ................................................................................................................................... 55
Fiscal Regime ........................................................................................................................................ 55 Table: Saudi Arabia PCA Main Fiscal Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Oil And Gas Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 56
Oil Refineries ........................................................................................................................................ 56 Table: Saudi Arabia Oil Refineries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Oil Terminals/Ports ................................................................................................................................ 56
Oil Pipelines ......................................................................................................................................... 57
Gas Pipelines ........................................................................................................................................ 58
Company Profile ................................................................................................................ 59 Saudi Aramco ......................................................................................................................................... 59
Table: Major Upstream Assets In Saudi Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Regional Overview ............................................................................................................ 61 MENA Oil & Gas Regional Overview .......................................................................................................... 61
Oil Production: MENA Prepares For Tighter Market .................................................................................... 61 Table: Marginal Impact On 2017 Output From Cut (000b/d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Refined Fuels Consumption: Growth Slowed By Subsidy Reform ..................................................................... 65 Table: Average Gasoline Pump Price June 2015 & March 2017 (USD/Litre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Refining Capacity: Mega Refineries To Support Economic Diversification ........................................................ 66
Gas Production: Gas Importance Grows To Support Oil Exports .................................................................... 67
Gas Consumption: Industrial Growth And Power Strengthen Consumption ....................................................... 69
Glossary ............................................................................................................................. 70 Table: Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 72 Industry Forecast Methodology ................................................................................................................ 72
Source ................................................................................................................................................. 74
Upstream Risk/Reward Methodology ........................................................................................................... 74 Table: Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Upstream RRI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
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Downstream Risk/Reward Methodology ....................................................................................................... 78 Table: Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Downstream RRI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
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BMI Industry View
BMI View: We hold to our current oil production forecast this quarter. In the short term, compliance with
the OPEC, non-OPEC production cut deal will somewhat constrain output. However, in the longer term we
are bullish. A sharp pullback in capex threatens to open a deficit in the market, raising the call on Saudi
crude. The outlook on the downstream is also bullish, supported by further refining capacity additions and
fuel subsidy reform. Gas production and consumption are both set for substantial gains over the forecast
period, although low state-set gas prices and a lack of foreign participation in the sector will hinder a more
aggressive growth rate.
Table: Headline Forecasts (Saudi Arabia 2015-2021)
2015 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f 2021f
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, 000b/d 12,125.0 12,452.3 12,385.7 12,498.1 12,612.5 12,802.2 12,995.2
Refined products production, 000b/d 2,552.0 2,825.1 2,853.3 3,024.5 3,145.5 3,176.9 3,208.7
Refined products consumption & ethanol, 000b/d 2,538.9 2,436.3 2,399.8 2,435.8 2,479.6 2,529.2 2,582.3
Dry natural gas production, bcm 118.7 131.1 136.1 137.5 138.8 150.8 153.4
Dry natural gas consumption, bcm 118.7 131.1 136.1 137.5 138.8 150.8 153.4
Brent, USD/bbl 53.60 45.13 57.00 60.00 64.00 67.00 70.00
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: National sources, BMI, EIA, JODI
Latest Updates And Forecasts
■ After a brief dip in 2017, Saudi Arabian oil production will trend upwards as the kingdom brings its large spare production capacity into play. The impact on exports will be somewhat softer, due to significant expansion of domestic refining capacity.
■ In order to support exports, the kingdom has looked to increase the role of gas in the domestic power and industrial sectors. However, domestic gas consumption remains capped due to limited production growth.
■ In spite of Saudi Arabia's heavy focus on unconventional onshore non-associated gas resources, we expect slow progress in developing these prospects. Domestic production will likely remain insufficient to meet unrestrained demand.
■ Despite inadequate domestic supply, proposals to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) will face major roadblocks due to concerns over the loss of the kingdom's energy self sufficient status, low domestic gas prices and risks to domestic gas development.
■ The pace of energy demand growth will begin to slow, as a more ambitious subsidy reform programme begins to take effect.
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SWOT
Oil & Gas SWOT
SWOT Analysis
Strengths ■ A vast conventional proven reserves base.
■ Developed oil and gas infrastructure.
■ An established services sector.
■ A stable operating environment.
Weaknesses ■ High level subsidisation of both oil and gas.
■ The close nature of the sector, both in the upstream and downstream segments.
■ Challenging operating environment.
Opportunities ■ Substantial underexplored acreage, including onshore unconventionals and offshore
Red Sea.
■ Continued expansion of the refining capacity.
■ Energy price liberalisation.
Threats ■ Rising regional instability.
■ Sustained lower oil prices, undercutting Aramco's long-term revenue base.
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Industry Forecast
Upstream Exploration
BMI View: A lower oil price environment is cementing a strategic refocusing of investment away from
crude and towards non-associated gas.
Latest Updates
■ Based on Baker Hughes rig count data, there were 119 rotary rigs active in Saudi Arabia as of April 2017.
■ Of the total, the majority (86.6%) were onshore; 56.3% were oil-directed and the remainder directed at gas.
Structural Trends
The bulk of Saudi Arabia's oil and gas reserves are located in the country's east and north-eastern provinces.
National oil company Saudi Aramco estimates total proven reserves of 261.1bn barrels (bbl) of oil and
8.4trn cubic metres (tcm) of gas, the bulk of which is associated. Estimates cover both Saudi Arabia and
Aramco's equity share of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone. Reserves are spread across 121 fields, with over
half concentrated in nine giant fields in the kingdom's northeast: Ghawar, Safaniya, Khurais, Manifa,
Shaybah, Qatif, Khursaniyah, Zuluf and Abqaiq.
Oil exploration in Saudi Arabia is conducted by Saudi Aramco. In 2015, the company reported a total of
five oil and gas discoveries. Three were oil fields - Faskar, Janab and Maqam - and two were non-associated
gas fields - Edmee and Murooj; they bring the total number of discovered fields to 134.
The focus of exploration has increasingly shifted towards less proven plays, including the Red Sea and
onshore unconventionals. Aramco has been conducting geological and geophysical studies in the Red Sea
since 2009. The initial targets were mostly in shallow water, but have expanded to include deeper and more
technically challenging prospects. Exploration drilling began at the end of 2011 and has yielded two
significant discoveries: al-Haryd and Shaur, a shallow water gas find.
In February 2015, Aramco suspended its exploration programme in the deepwater Red Sea. According to
industry sources, the programme was among the kingdom's most expensive, operating at a cost of around
USD1mn per day. The depth of the water, complexity of the basin and Aramco's limited understanding of
the geology have all inflated drilling costs. These factors, alongside the lack of infrastructure in the region,
also substantially raise the prospective costs of development. In 2014, Aramco indicated that the initial
development of the Red Sea resources would cost around USD25bn - a level of investment unsupported in
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the current price environment. However, the company continues to explore in the shallower water areas and
in 2015 conducted its largest single survey to date.
Price Dampens Appetite For High-Cost Exploration
Front-Month Brent Price Forecast (USD/bbl)
2 0
1 1
2 0
1 2
2 0
1 3
2 0
1 4
2 0
1 5
2 0
1 6
2 0
1 7
f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
40
60
80
100
120
f = BMI forecast. Source: BMI, Bloomberg
Aramco is funnelling increased investment into non-associated gas exploration and has plans to fast-track
the development of its commercial discoveries. In contrast to oil and associated gas, Aramco has allowed
foreign companies to partner it in non-associated gas exploration in the kingdom's Empty Quarter. The
company entered four joint ventures (JVs) between 2003 and 2004.
■ EniRepSa - with Eni and Repsol
■ Luksar - with Lukoil
■ South Robh Al Khali Company - with Royal Dutch Shell
■ Sinopec-Aramco - with Sinopec
However, the companies have since withdrawn from their respective JVs. In 2010, Lukoil relinquished 90%
of the stake in its block, which included two significant gas discoveries. Repsol, Eni and Sinopec exited the
kingdom in 2012, followed by Royal Dutch Shell in 2014.
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Drilling results were relatively positive, yielding a number of prospective finds. However, the companies
believed the discoveries to be broadly uneconomic. Part of the problem was the high sulphur content in the
gas, significantly raising the costs of development. Another factor was the low domestic gas price cap. Gas
prices are set at USD1.25/mn British thermal units (/mnBTU) for methane and USD1.75/mnBTU for
ethane. Prices were raised in December 2015, as part of broader energy subsidy reforms, but remain too low
to attract investment from the major internationals. Further subsidy reductions are highly probable, as the
kingdom looks to reform its economy and erode a deep fiscal deficit. However, social pressures and
competitiveness concerns for industry will likely slow the pace of reform.
In recent years Aramco has been moving to establish itself as a major player in the unconventionals
sector. According to Aramco CEO Khalid al-Falih, the company will invest an additional USD7bn on
unconventional gas exploration over the coming years.
The company has been investing heavily in developing new fracturing technologies, including the use of
pulsed, microseismic and staged fracturing techniques. They have also been developing CO2-based
fracturing fluids and techniques for the in situ conversion of fracturing fluids into solids. In 2015, Aramco
deployed new seismic technologies to identify sweet spots within reservoirs, extended lateral well lengths
and used multistage fracturing stimulations.
We expect much of the planned USD7bn expenditure to focus on this type of R&D. Improved fracturing
technologies can offer higher recovery rates, enhanced well productivity and substantial cost reductions,
aiding the commercial viability of unconventional projects. This is of particular importance in Saudi Arabia,
given the low domestic gas price.
In 2014, Aramco said it was looking to reduce the cost of unconventional gas production to USD2.00-3.00/
mnBTU. Assuming this target is reached, Aramco will be producing at a loss of USD0.5-1.50/mnBTU, or
around USD20-55mn per billion cubic metres (bcm). Limiting this loss has become increasingly important,
as sustained lower oil prices erode Aramco's long-term revenue base. Exploration will also likely focus on
tight as opposed to shale gas, given the higher porosity and permeability of the kingdom's tight sand
formations, and subsequently lower costs of development.
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Upstream Projects
Table: Key Upstream Projects
Name Field Name Companies Status Est. Peak Liquids Output (b/d)
Est. Peak Gas Output (bcm)
Type of Project
Block A Mushaib, Tukhman Saudi Aramco (20%), Lukoil (80%)
Appraisal - - Tight Gas
Duhul Duhul Saudi Aramco (100%)
Discovery - - Oil
Khafji Joint Operations (KJO)
Khafji, Hout, Lulu, Dorra
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Saudi Aramco
Suspended - - Oil
Salsal Salsal Saudi Aramco (100%)
Discovery - - Oil
Turayqa Turayqa Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Mihwaz Mihwaz Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Al-Haryd Al-Haryd Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Oil
Kidan Kidan Saudi Aramco Appraisal - - Sour Gas
Midyan Midyan Saudi Aramco Development - 0.8 Gas & Condensate
Marjan Marjan Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 270,000 - Oil
Qatif Qatif Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 500,000 - Oil & Gas
Safaniyah Safaniyah Saudi Aramco (100%)
Upgrade/EOR 1,200,000 - Heavy Oil
Nuayyim Nuayyim Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 100,000 - Oil
Khurais Khurais Saudi Aramco (100%)
Upgrade/EOR 1,500,000 3.3 Oil & Gas
Shaybah Shaybah Saudi Aramco (100%)
Expansion 1,000,000 - Oil
Berri Berri Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 1,150,000 - Oil
Ghawar Ghawar Saudi Aramco (100%)
Upgrade/EOR 5,800,000 20.7 Oil & Gas
Wasit Arabiyah, Hasbah Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production - 25 Gas
Karan Karan Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production - 18.6 Sour Gas
Manifa Manifa (Moneefa) Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 900,000 10.3 Heavy Oil & Sour Gas
Zuluf Zuluf Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 500,000 - Oil
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Key Upstream Projects - Continued
Name Field Name Companies Status Est. Peak Liquids Output (b/d)
Est. Peak Gas Output (bcm)
Type of Project
Khursaniyah Khursaniyah, Abu Hadriyah and al- Fadhili
Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 500,000 5.8 Oil & Gas
Abu Sa'fah Abu Sa'fah Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 300,000 - Oil
Haradh Haradh Saudi Aramco (100%)
Production 900,000 1.4 Oil & Gas
Abu Ali Abu Ali Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Faras Faras Saudi Aramco Discovery - Gas
Amjad Amjad Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Badi Badi Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Faris Faris Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Gas
Sadawi Sadawi Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Oil
Naqa Naqa Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Oil
Qadqad Qadqad Saudi Aramco Discovery - - Oil & Gas
Wafra Joint Operations (WJO)
Wafra, South Umm Gudair, Humma, South Fuwaris, ARQ
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) (50%), Chevron (50%)
Suspended 250,000 - Oil
Dammam Dammam Saudi Aramco (100%)
Suspended 100,000 - Oil
Source: BMI Upstream Projects Database
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Upstream Production - Oil
BMI View: Saudi Arabia will continue to grow its oil production in order to maintain its oil export
commitments in the face of growing domestic demand.
■ We have held to our current oil production forecast this quarter, averaging 10.3mn b/d over 2017, including crude, condensates and NGLs.
■ The near-term production outlook is heavily contingent on the outcome of the OPEC meeting on May 25. Our forecast assumes that the current cut deal will be rolled over in its current form. However, Saudi's current over-compliance with the deal is likely to slip, due to weaker compliance by non-OPEC members and peaking domestic demand over the summer.
Structural Trends
We have revised up our long-term oil production forecast for Saudi Arabia. Previously, we had forecast
relatively flat production across the ten-year period, rising from 10.3mn barrels a day (b/d) in 2017 to
10.4mn b/d in 2026. We now forecast slightly higher growth averaging 0.7%, with output ending the period
at 11.2mn b/d. The upward revision reflects our view that Saudi Arabia will utilise its large spare capacity
to plug deficits in the global oil market and cap any upswing in the price.
Oil Production Forecast
(2015-2026)
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, 000b/d (LHS) Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5 e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0 1
7 f
2 0
1 8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
0
2
4
-2
6
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
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The kingdom has clearly signalled that it does not want to see prices return to their previous highs. The oil
demand outlook is structurally weaker than it was during previous downturns and it is not in the interests of
a major producer to destroy additional demand through too-aggressive price re-inflation.
According to our data, global fuels consumption growth has peaked and will trend downwards over the
coming decade. Developed markets (DMs) will act as the main drag, largely due to the strong fuel
efficiency gains being made in these countries. Among emerging markets (EMs), the slowdown in China
and wide-ranging subsidy reforms will also act to weaken consumption growth.
Despite softer consumption, we forecast a significant deficit in the global market from 2020. The collapse in
prices in 2014 has choked off investment into the sector and the existing projects pipeline is set to roll off
over 2017 and 2018. Prior to the revision of our Saudi production outlook, we had forecast the market to
reach a 1.5mn b/d deficit by 2021. A deficit of this scale would have catalysed a large drawdown in crude
inventories and left the market exposed to a major price spike. In the face of this, we believe the kingdom
will strategically deploy its large spare capacity in order to cap the upswing in prices. Our current revision
assumes only gentle intervention by OPEC, which will reduce but not erase our forecast deficit; however,
we note significant upside risk to the forecast, should the price recovery be stronger than we anticipate.
A Strong Capacity For Intervention
Plans to boost the country's productive capacity to 12mn b/d were completed in 2010. The last major
greenfield project to be brought online was the Manifa heavy oilfield; development of the field was
completed in 2013, reaching full capacity as of end-2014. Peak output is around 900,000b/d of Arabian
Heavy crude, 65,000b/d of condensate and 0.93bn cubic metres (bcm) of gas. Output from Manifa will not
be exported, but will be used to supply the domestic refining sector.
In 2014, Aramco continued with two development projects at the major Shaybah field. Production was
boosted to 1.0mn b/d in May 2016, boosting the share of Arabia Extra Light in overall output. The Shaybah
processing facilities have also been developed to process natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the field. NGLs
offer an alternative feedstock for the kingdom's petrochemicals plants and will be critical to offsetting
mounting gas supply constraints.
The company also has plans to expand the giant Khurais oilfield, adding 300,000b/d of additional
production capacity. The project was scheduled for completion in 2017, but was subsequently delayed.
More recent statements indicate a plan to complete the project by 2018 and we have re-introduced it into
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 15
our forecasts. In addition, expansion of the Berri field will add an addition 250,000b/d production capacity,
although a timeline for this project has yet to be confirmed.
In the context of sustained lower oil prices, the company is also raising its focus on maximising recovery
rates on existing assets. For example, the company has been investing to improve reservoir characterisation
and seismic processing techniques. In 2015, it increased the computing capability of its Exploration and
Petroleum Engineering Centre Computer by 177.0% for reservoir stimulations and 76.0% for seismic
capacity. The additional capacity reduces seismic data processing times and improves reservoir
characterisation, which can optimise field development and production.
Table: Oil Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, 000b/d 12,125.0 12,452.3 12,385.7 12,498.1 12,612.5 12,802.2
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, % y-o-y 4.6 2.7 -0.5 0.9 0.9 1.5
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA BMI
Table: Oil Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, 000b/d 12,995.2 13,191.7 13,370.2 13,551.8 13,714.6 13,880.3
Crude, NGPL & other liquids prod, % y-o-y 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2
f = BMI forecast. Source: BMI, EIA, National sources
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Upstream Production - Gas
BMI View: Gas production growth will be driven by non-associated conventional field developments; the
role of unconventionals will remain limited, due to technical and financial barriers to production.
Latest Updates
■ Saudi Aramco is on track to bring on stream the kingdom's first shale gas project in Q417. The Jalamid field is targeted to produce around 2.0bn cubic metres (bcm) a year and will supply a power plant in the northwest.
Structural Trends
Saudi Arabia is targeting an aggressive ramp-up in gas production for use in the domestic industrial and
power sectors, displacing the role of crude and releasing it for export. Ensuring a reliable supply of low-cost
ethane feedstock for the expanding petrochemical sector is also critical.
Historically, much of the kingdom's output was associated gas drawn from the giant Ghawar oilfield,
feeding the Hawiya, Haradh and Uthmaniyah gas plants. In recent years, Riyadh has made gains in
increasing production and diversifying away from its associated resources. In recent years there has been
strong increase in the number of gas-directed rigs in the kingdom, and we expect this upward trend in gas-
directed drilling to continue in 2017.
The offshore Karan gas field, which came online in 2011, was the first non-associated field to be developed
in the kingdom. Karan added an additional 18.6bn cubic metres (bcm) at peak production levels, delivered
to the Khursaniyah gas processing facility. Khursaniyah was brought on stream in 2010 to process
associated gas from the Abu Hadriya, Fadhili, Khursaniyah, Marjan, Safiniyah and Zuluf fields. It was
expanded to accommodate Karan, and associated production from the Manifa heavy oilfield, and has
nameplate capacity of 29.8bcm.
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Gas Production Forecast
(2015-2026)
Dry natural gas production, bcm (LHS) Dry natural gas production, bcm, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5 e
2 0
1 6 e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0
1 8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0 f
2 0
2 1 f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4 f
2 0
2 5 f
2 0
2 6 f
0
50
100
150
200
0
5
10
15
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
The Wasit gas plant, which began commissioning in 2015, is the second major non-associated gas
development, processing output from the Arabiyah and Hasbah gas fields offshore in the Gulf. Wasit has
capacity to process up to 25.8bcm of gas and 240,000b/d of natural gas liquids at peak production. The
project was due online in 2014, but was delayed due to technical issues stemming from the high sulphur
content of the offshore gas fields. The plant began processing production from Arabiyah and Hasbah in
2016, ramping up to peak production in 2017.
In January 2015, Saudi Aramco pre-qualified nine bidders to compete for an engineering, procurement and
construction (EPC) contract for the Fadhili gas plant. In August, three companies bid individually on the
contract (Daelim, Hyundai and Petrofrac) and a further six bid as consortiums (GS and Tecnicas
Reunidas, Saipem and JGC and Samsung & Daewoo). The companies bid to construct a 25.8bcm facility,
with costs ranging between USD5-6bn. Reports surfaced in Q315, indicating that the Petrofrac consortium
had won the EPC contract.
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We have upgraded our forecast to reflect this additional output from Fadhili from 2019. The decision to
push forward with the project in the face of sharply declining oil export revenues is further proof of the
kingdom's ongoing strategic refocusing towards the development of its domestic gas resources. Lower oil
revenues have led to the cancellation or delay of other major projects, including upgrade work at the Ras
Tanura refinery, which was suspended in early January 2015. However, gas development projects appear to
have been ring-fenced from the cuts.
The Fadhili project is relatively high cost. It was initially conceived with a capacity of 10.3bcm, at a cost of
USD1.6bn, to process associated gas from the Fadhili oilfield. The subsequent increase in capacity and
higher estimated project costs are due to its expansion to include sour gas production from other fields. The
government is also in the process of developing it first project in the north-western region with development
of the Midyan gas plant. The Midyan field was discovered in the early 1990s, although work did not begin
on the plant until 2013. The facility is scheduled to come online by Q416, with nameplate capacity of
0.8bcm of non-associated gas and 4,500b/d of condensates.
While it offers significant upside risks towards the back end of our 10-year forecast period, progress in
developing the kingdom's vast unconventional resources will be relatively slower. Aramco had said the
company would look to produce gas from unconventional formations using hydraulic
fracturing (fracking) by 2020. In response to rising demand and tightening domestic supply, the company
accelerated the timeline, targeting 2.0bcm of shale output by 2018.
Aramco's unconventional gas programme, which launched in 2011, became fully operational in 2013. The
company is currently exploring for unconventional gas in three areas: the Northwest, South Ghawar and
Rub al-Khali (The Empty Quarter).
Saudi Arabia's shale potential is substantial, with Baker Hughes estimating that the country could hold some
18.1tn cubic metres (tcm) of technically recoverable shale gas resources. However, there are major
obstacles to shale gas development in Saudi Arabia:
■ Lack Of Infrastructure: The bulk of Saudi Arabia's unconventional resources lie in remote areas, which lack existing infrastructure.
■ Geological Complexity: Saudi Arabia's tight gas resources lie deep in the ground, making them more technically challenging to tap.
■ Water Scarcity: The hydraulic fracturing technique used to produce shale resources requires large quantities of water, which Saudi Arabia lacks.
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These factors combine to significantly raise the cost of production - problematic given the artificially low
domestic gas prices in Saudi Arabia. Although the pricing framework is under review, we see little scope
for improvement. In the absence of adequate pricing reform, and in light of major technical challenges, we
predict slow gains in the development of unconventional gas resources in the kingdom within the coming
years.
The only significant development in progress to-date is a project in Turaif. In H215, Aramco awarded JGC
a contract for the construction of processing facilities and midstream infrastructure, to supply shale gas to
power the Waad al-Shamal mining project. According to reports, Aramco plans to produce 2.0bcm from the
project by 2018.
Further upside risk stems from gas conservation efforts. Saudi Aramco is looking to cut the level of gas
flaring, and the kingdom's flare gas recovery system has allowed an addition 50bcm of output to be
connected to the gas network over the past decade.
Small-scale gas capture technology could offer a means to reduce flaring at smaller oilfields, where it would
be uneconomic to develop a large gas processing plant. This involves mini gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities
that capture gas and deploy it at the source. Aramco's investment in US-based Siluria Technologies, which
is developing technologies to convert methane into gasoline and ethylene, could open opportunities, and
offer alternative means to monetise flared or stranded gas.
Table: Gas Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Dry natural gas production, bcm 118.7 131.1 136.1 137.5 138.8 150.8
Dry natural gas production, bcm, % y-o-y 1.6 10.4 3.8 1.0 1.0 8.7
Dry natural gas production, % of domestic consumption 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
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Table: Gas Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Dry natural gas production, bcm 153.4 156.5 158.1 159.6 161.2 162.8
Dry natural gas production, bcm, % y-o-y 1.7 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Dry natural gas production, % of domestic consumption 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
f = BMI forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
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Refining
BMI View: Refining capacity will rise to nearly 3.31mn b/d by the end of the forecast period, driven by the
Jazan and Yanbu refinery projects. High refinery utilisation rates will see refined fuels production reach
3.3mn b/d by 2026.
Latest Updates
■ Refinery output in Q117 averaged 2.74mn b/d, significantly below our 8.53mn b/d for the year.
■ We are holding to our forecast, as Q1 data was heavily skewed by a low of 2.51mn b/d produced in January.
Structural Trends
In 2014, nameplate refining capacity increased to 2.5mn b/d, with the full inclusion of the 400,000b/d
SATORP refinery complex at Jubail. The plant saw its first commercial shipments in September 2013, and
has gradually ramped up production. The refinery is designed to produce high-grade fuels and the complex
also includes integrated petrochemical units to produce benzene, paraxylene and propylene. The feedstock
is Arab Heavy crude oil from the nearby Safaniya and Manifa fields.
In 2015, capacity grew to 2.9mn b/d, as output from Yanbu came on stream. In September 2014, Saudi
Aramco and joint venture (JV) partner Sinopec began production testing at the 400,000b/d facility. Yanbu
has been fully commissioned and was running at full capacity as of June 2016.
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Refining Capacity Forecast
(2015-2026)
Crude oil refining capacity, 000b/d (LHS) Refined products production, 000b/d (LHS) Crude oil refining capacity, utilisation, % (RHS)
2 0 1
5 e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0 1
7 f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0 2
0 f
2 0 2
1 f
2 0 2
2 f
2 0 2
3 f
2 0
2 4 f
2 0 2
5 f
2 0
2 6 f
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
85
90
95
100
105
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: BMI, EIA, Saudi Aramco
We forecast that the first production at the 100% state-owned Jazan refinery will occur in 2018, although
cost overruns, contract disputes and major infrastructural headwinds have somewhat weighed on project
development.
Located in the south-west, Jazan is among the most underdeveloped and remote provinces of Saudi Arabia.
Infrastructure is critically lacking and materials for the project have to be shipped to the Jazan terminal on
the Red Sea. Construction of the terminal has yet to be completed, and has previously prevented access by
the large carriers needed to transport heavy equipment. Due to the scale of the Jazan refinery project and the
various barriers to progress faced, the risks to completion by 2018 remain on the downside.
Given the high specification of Saudi Arabia's refineries, a secure supply of low-cost crude feedstock, high
efficiencies and a strong domestic market, we anticipate a high level of utilisation, averaging above 90.0%
throughout most of our forecast period. The make-up of the new refineries is heavily geared towards high-
grade, light-end products, and we see motor gasoline and middle distillates as the main source of production
growth over the next 10 years.
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High-End Products Driving Growth
Saudi Arabia Refined Fuels Production Forecast (000b/d)
Motor gasoline Jet fuel/kerosene Kerosene Distillate fuel oil Residual fuel oil Refined LPG
2 0 1
5 e
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0 1
9 f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
Table: Refining Capacity And Refined Products Production (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015e 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Crude oil refining capacity, 000b/d 2,905.0 2,905.0 2,905.0 3,305.0 3,305.0 3,305.0
Crude oil refining capacity, % y-o-y 16.0 0.0 0.0 13.8 0.0 0.0
Crude oil refining capacity, utilisation, % 87.8 97.2 98.2 91.5 95.2 96.1
Refined products production, 000b/d 2,552.0 2,825.1 2,853.3 3,024.5 3,145.5 3,176.9
Refined products production, % y-o-y 10.0 10.7 1.0 6.0 4.0 1.0
Refined products production & ethanol, 000b/d 2,552.0 2,825.1 2,853.3 3,024.5 3,145.5 3,176.9
Refined products production & ethanol, % y-o-y 10.0 10.7 1.0 6.0 4.0 1.0
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
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Table: Refining Capacity And Refined Products Production (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Crude oil refining capacity, 000b/d 3,305.0 3,305.0 3,305.0 3,305.0 3,305.0 3,305.0
Crude oil refining capacity, % y-o-y 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Crude oil refining capacity, utilisation, % 97.1 98.1 98.5 99.0 99.5 100.0
Refined products production, 000b/d 3,208.7 3,240.8 3,257.0 3,273.3 3,289.6 3,306.1
Refined products production, % y-o-y 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Refined products production & ethanol, 000b/d 3,208.7 3,240.8 3,257.0 3,273.3 3,289.6 3,306.1
Refined products production & ethanol, % y-o-y 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
f = BMI forecast. Source: BMI, EIA, Saudi Aramco
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 25
Refined Fuels Consumption
BMI View: Fuel subsidy reforms will continue to exert drag on Saudi Arabian fuels consumption growth,
driving a second consecutive y-o-y decline in demand in 2017.
Latest Updates
■ We have revised down our refined fuels consumption forecast this quarter. We now forecast demand to decline by 1.5% y-o-y in 2017, compared to 1.0% previously.
Structural Trends
The impact of fuel price hikes on demand was evident in Saudi Arabia in 2016. After the kingdom raised
retail prices for various fuels in a range of 10.0-80.0%, consumption fell by 4.0% y-o-y. Diesel bore the
brunt, with prices rising by 50.0-80.0% and demand slumping 10.0%. Jet fuel - which was unaffected by the
price hikes - was an outperformer in the Saudi fuels basket, with consumption rising by 13.8% for the year.
Refined Products Production And Consumption Forecast
(2015-2026)
Refined products production, 000b/d (LHS) Refined products consumption, 000b/d (LHS) Refined products consumption, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5
e
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
-5
0
5
10
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
We believe that the rise in prices will be sticky; we expect further price hikes to be announced in July. The
kingdom has signalled its intent to gradually shift towards market pricing, with its domestic fuels prices still
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 26
amongst the lowest globally. Although fuel price reform has been on the agenda for a number of years, the
downcycle in the oil sector, which slashed government revenues, has added impetus to subsidy reform.
Additional hikes in 2017 will drive a 1.5% decline in demand, according to our forecasts, significantly less
than the 4.0% loss in 2016. On the one hand, we expect the size of the price increases to be smaller. In
addition, the impact will be softened by a cash subsidy programme currently being rolled out by the Saudi
Arabian government.
Table: Saudi Arabia Fuel Price Reform, December 2015
Old New % Chg
Gasoline - High Grade (USD/litre) 0.16 0.24 50.0
Gasoline - Low Grade (USD/litre) 0.12 0.20 66.7
Diesel - Transport (USD/litre) 0.07 0.12 79.1
Diesel - Industry (USD/litre) 9.11 14.10 54.8
Arab Light Crude (USD/bbl) 4.24 6.35 49.8
Arab Heavy Crude (USD/bbl) 2.67 4.40 64.8
Kerosene (USD/bbl) 23.00 25.70 11.7
Source: BMI, Apicorp
The government's Vision 2030 - which targets an aggressive rebalancing away from oil - has also been
factored into the outlook. A shift to less energy-intensive sectors will ultimately weigh on demand, although
we expect the process of economic diversification to be slow. Energy-intensive industries such as the
cement and petrochemicals sectors have voiced concerns over fuel-price hikes, although their cost structures
remain low and competitive internationally. A larger concern is the broader economic downturn driven by
the slump in oil prices, which we forecast will drag the kingdom into recession in 2017. However, with
recovery forecast for Brent, the downturn will be temporary and we expect a return to growth from 2018.
In addition, our Autos team is forecasting a gradual pick-up in vehicle sales growth following aggressive
contraction in 2016 and 2017. From a y-o-y decline of 21.0% and 3.2%, respectively, sales will pull back
into positive territory from 2018, averaging 3.3% over the three-year period to 2020.
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Demand Growth Tapering
Saudi Arabia Vehicle Sales Growth
Saudi Arabia - Vehicle sales, units, % y-o-y
2 0
1 1
2 0
1 2
2 0
1 3
2 0
1 4
2 0
1 5
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: BMI, OICA
The domestic power sector also remains heavily dependent on liquid fuels. Despite plans for greater
diversification, oil will remain a dominant source of power generation in 2026, accounting for around 47%
of total output. Limited domestic supply and the prioritisation of gas for the refining and petrochemicals
sectors will curb attempts at a broader shift from oil-fired to gas-fired power generation. Renewable
technologies will also enter the mix, in particular solar, but their role will be heavily constrained. The main
fuels consumed by the power sector are diesel, residuals and unrefined crude.
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Oil Dominating Domestic Power Sector
Saudi Arabia Oil-Fired Power Generation
Saudi Arabia - Generation, Oil, TWh (LHS) Saudi Arabia - Generation, Oil, % change y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5 e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0 1
9 f
2 0 2
0 f
2 0
2 1 f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3 f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
100
200
300
2
4
6
0
8
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: National sources, BMI
Table: Refined Products Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015 2016 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Refined products consumption, 000b/d 2,538.9 2,436.3 2,399.8 2,435.8 2,479.6 2,529.2
Refined products consumption, % y-o-y 5.2 -4.0 -1.5 1.5 1.8 2.0
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA BMI
Table: Refined Products Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Refined products consumption, 000b/d 2,582.3 2,636.6 2,694.6 2,756.5 2,822.7 2,893.3
Refined products consumption, % y-o-y 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
f = BMI forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA BMI
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 29
Gas Consumption
BMI View: Rising demand from the industrial and power sectors will support strong gas consumption
growth. Consumption will remain capped by production across our forecast period.
Latest Updates
■ Another round of subsidy cuts is expected in Q317, although it is unclear how natural gas prices will be affected.
■ Given the government's strategic focus on the oil-to-gas switching, it is unlikely that gas will be exposed to aggressive increase in prices.
Structural Trends
In order to sustain crude exports in the face of the rapidly rising domestic demand, Saudi Arabia has looked
to gas to displace the role of crude in the industrial and power sectors.
Gas Production And Consumption Forecast
(2015-2026)
Dry natural gas production, bcm (LHS) Dry natural gas consumption, bcm (LHS) Dry natural gas consumption, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5
e
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0
1 8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
50
100
150
200
0
5
10
15
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: BMI, EIA, Saudi Aramco
Progress towards displacing the use of oil in the power sector will be undermined by continued energy
demand growth. Domestic power generation will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 30
for the next 10 years. As such, while natural gas-fired generation will increase at a significantly faster pace -
CAGR 4.7% - it will displace only a marginal share of crude in the overall energy mix. According to our
forecasts, crude oil-fired generation will account for 47.1% of the total in 2026, down from 51.2% in 2016.
Power Sector Driving Domestic Gas Comsumption
Saudi Arabia Electricity Generation By Source
Saudi Arabia - Generation, Natural Gas, TWh Saudi Arabia - Generation, Oil, TWh
2 0
1 5
e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0
1 8 f
2 0
1 9 f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0 2
4 f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
200
400
600
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source:National sources, BMI
Our forecasts factor in ongoing subsidy reform efforts, which will help to moderate energy demand growth.
However, demand effects are unlikely to accrue until the backend of our 10-year forecast period. In
December 2015, the government announced a plan to reduce subsidies on natural gas, electricity and a
range of oil products over the following five years. The reductions are significant but from a very low base,
while social and political sensitivities to higher prices will restrain the pace of reform.
Subsidy reform will help lower gas demand growth from industrial consumers, but will have little impact on
power sector demand. A number of industrial consumers - such as SABIC, Saudi Arabia Fertilizers
Company, Saudi Cement Company and Yanbu National Petrochemical Company - have indicated that
the higher energy input and feedstock costs will raise overall operating costs, in a range of 5.0-8.0%. The
companies have said they will look to improve efficiencies to offset the increase. Efficiency improvements
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
© Business Monitor International Ltd Page 31
through, for example, infrastructure upgrades or the introduction of new technologies, will take a number of
years to come into effect.
A slower pace of electricity demand growth, due to higher electricity prices, will undercut oil-fired
generation growth, but will do little to alter demand for gas, as the government pursues its fuel-switching
agenda. The pace of fuel-switching will, in our view, remain capped by the domestic availability of gas
across our 10-year forecast period.
A faster switch from oil to gas could be supported by the start of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. A
number of Middle Eastern countries have turned to LNG to answer peak summer demand, with imports
buoyed by the increased availability and falling spot prices for LNG globally. However, we believe that
Saudi Arabia will hold back from LNG imports due to its concern with maintaining primary energy
independence.
Table: Gas Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015e 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Dry natural gas consumption, bcm 118.7 131.1 136.1 137.5 138.8 150.8
Dry natural gas consumption, % y-o-y 1.6 10.4 3.8 1.0 1.0 8.6
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
Table: Gas Consumption (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Dry natural gas consumption, bcm 153.4 156.5 158.1 159.6 161.2 162.8
Dry natural gas consumption, % y-o-y 1.7 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
f = BMI forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
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Trade - Oil
BMI View: Saudi Aramco will act to maintain crude export share in the face of increased domestic demand
and rising non-OPEC supply.
Latest Updates
■ It is probable that Saudi revenues were under pressure in Q117, as the drop in crude exports (8.4%) was larger than the rise in crude oil prices (7.0% for Brent).
■ Net fuels exports rose sharply over the same period (28.7%), but from a much lower base. Crude and products exports fell by 5.4% over the period.
■ We expect oil prices to pick up from Q3, although depressed exports over the summer months will likely dampen the near-term upside to revenues.
Crude Oil Trade Forecast
Structural Trends
In 2016, Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports remained elevated, supported by rising domestic production and
increased oil-to-gas switching in the power sector. It also reflects relative strength in the kingdom's key
Asian export markets, where strategic stockpiling in a number of countries - in particular China and, to a
lesser extent, India - and higher refinery run rates have supported continued demand for crude.
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Asia Maintains Its Dominance
Saudi Arabia Crude Exports By Region, 2015, %
656.4
6.4
16.6
5.6
Asia North West Europe Mediterranean US Other
Source: Saudi Aramco, BMI
Export volumes have been closely tracked by the industry and variously interpreted as signals of the
kingdom's broader strategic intent. One key area of focus has been the regional shift in trade flows and the
question of the Asian pivot. As the major global growth market, Saudi Arabia has begun to explicitly target
a higher volume of its output towards Asian consumers in recent years. In line with this objective, national
oil company Saudi Aramco has also been acquiring equity shares in a number of refineries and refinery
projects in the region, including facilities in China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
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Crude Oil Net Exports Forecast
(2015-2026)
Crude & other liquids net export, 000b/d (LHS) Crude & other liquids net export, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5 e
2 0
1 6 e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5 f
2 0
2 6
f
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
-2
0
2
4
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
The reorientation of the kingdom's exports towards Asia has often been understood as a response to the
sharp decline in US demand for crude, as rising domestic shale production has progressively displaced
imports. This has, in turn, sparked speculation that - in light of heightened competition for market share in
Asia - Saudi Arabia may struggle to find a home for its oil. In our view, this speculation is broadly
unfounded.
In the first place, a breakdown of exports by destination shows that over the past five years the increased
volumes sent to Asia have not been drawn from the US, but from other markets. According to data from
Aramco, between 2010 and 2015 the share of the kingdom's crude exports going to Asia rose from 55.5% to
65.0%, while the US' share of Saudi Arabia's exports increased from 16.0% to 16.6% over the same period.
Over the coming years, rising domestic production - coupled with increased imports of Canadian heavy
crudes - will likely further erode Saudi Arabia's exports to the US. However, we do not expect the kingdom
to fully lose its foothold in this major North American market, nor do we see loss of market share as the
main driver behind its strategic shift to Asia.
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Furthermore, we believe that Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to withstand rising competition for Asian
market share. Aramco has built strong relations with its suppliers in Asia and has rapidly grown its presence
in the region's refining sector. It also offers a stable source of supply, and with one of the lowest lifting costs
globally, it has the capacity to undercut the prices of a number of its key competitors.
Rising product stocks and a forecast narrowing in product crack spreads could dampen demand among
Asian refiners. Storage demand looks set to remain robust, due to a mix of commercial and strategic
stockpiling in India and North East Asia, in particular China.
Table: Crude Oil Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2015-2021)
2015e 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f 2021f
Crude & other liquids net export, 000b/d 9,573.0 9,627.2 9,532.4 9,473.6 9,467.1 9,625.2 9,786.5
Crude & other liquids net export, % y-o-y 3.2 0.6 -1.0 -0.6 -0.1 1.7 1.7
Crude & other liquids net export, USDbn 173.9 143.2 187.9 197.1 210.8 224.8 239.3
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: National sources, BMI
Table: Crude Oil Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Crude & other liquids net export, 000b/d 9,786.5 9,950.9 10,113.2 10,278.5 10,425.0 10,574.2
Crude & other liquids net export, % y-o-y 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.4
Crude & other liquids net export, USDbn 239.3 250.6 262.1 270.1 274.0 277.9
f = BMI forecast. Source: National sources, BMI
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Refined Fuels Trade Forecast
Structural Trends
Saudi Arabia has become a net refined product importer since 2009 as domestic consumption increases
steeply. Its downstream expansion has seen its net imports of refined products temporarily diminish.
However, strong domestic consumption growth will again outpace production from 2020.
The kingdom has been targeting its refined products increasingly towards Asian consumers over the past
several years. However, 2015 saw the region's share of total exports decline to 34.5%, down from 46.4% in
2014.
Refined Products Net Exports Forecast
(2015-2026)
Refined products net exports, 000b/d (LHS) Refined products net exports, % y-o-y (RHS)
2 0
1 5
e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0 1
7 f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0 2
3 f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
250
500
750
-1,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
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Table: Refined Fuels Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2015-2020)
2015e 2016e 2017f 2018f 2019f 2020f
Refined products net exports, 000b/d 13.1 388.7 453.5 588.7 665.9 647.7
Refined products net exports, % y-o-y -113.9 2,873.4 16.7 29.8 13.1 -2.7
Refined products net exports, USDbn -1.4 6.4 9.1 13.3 15.4 15.4
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: Saudi Aramco, EIA, BMI
Table: Refined Fuels Net Exports (Saudi Arabia 2021-2026)
2021f 2022f 2023f 2024f 2025f 2026f
Refined products net exports, 000b/d 626.4 604.2 562.4 516.7 466.9 412.8
Refined products net exports, % y-o-y -3.3 -3.5 -6.9 -8.1 -9.6 -11.6
Refined products net exports, USDbn 16.2 15.5 14.3 13.0 11.7 10.2
f = BMI forecast. Source: National sources, BMI
Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas Report Q3 2017
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Trade - Gas (Pipeline and LNG)
BMI View: Strong domestic consumption growth and constraints on production will prevent Saudi Arabia
from exporting natural gas within the next 10 years. The kingdom will not cede its energy-independent
status by importing LNG.
Structural Trends
We forecast unrestrained gas demand to outstrip production across our forecast period, undermining the
potential for exports. With delays to major gas projects creating the risk of near-term supply shortfalls,
Saudi Arabia has also reportedly been considering construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import
terminal. LNG imports would improve the security of supply and could offer a flexible solution to meeting
peak seasonal demand.
However, imports could pose downside risk to domestic output. Poor pricing dynamics and technical
barriers to production have already weighed on our forecast and the availability of import alternatives would
dilute the need for domestic gas development. Other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, such as
Kuwait and the UAE, which began seasonally importing LNG, have struggled to wean themselves off the
resource
Importing LNG would also break Saudi Arabia's energy self-sufficient status, a status which the kingdom
may be reluctant to cede. Further delays or disruptions to the domestic gas supply would see the project gain
traction, but imported LNG will remain a last resort.
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Industry Risk Reward Index
Middle East & North Africa - Upstream Industry Risk/Reward Index
BMI View: The dominance of NOCs in MENA's Upstream sector and the poor Competitive Landscape is
the strongest determinant of the region's underperformance in our global Upstream RRI, with MENA
ranking fifth out of six regions globally. Although MENA holds the largest hydrocarbon resource base in
the world it is worst-in-class in terms of investment openness. As some of the largest producers in the region
look to open up more to private and/or foreign participation in the sector its low score in our Upstream RRI
highlights the scale of the challenge to attract private capital over the long term.
A Large Resource Base Bolsters Final Scores
MENA Upstream O&G Risk/Reward Index
Scores Out Of 100. Higher Scores = Lower Risk. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
Main Regional Features & Latest Updates
■ Despite the extensive resource base of the Middle East, as a region MENA scores second lowest in our Upstream RRI, ahead of only Sub-Saharan Africa.
■ The region outperforms the global average only in our Industry Rewards category which registers oil and gas resource bases and production potential.
■ MENA particularly underperforms in the competitive landscape category given the prominence of national oil companies, and in all areas of Risks due to a weak political and economic outlook.
■ Within the region, outperformers are those countries with greater investor diversity and lower country risk factors. These tend to be more business friendly investment environments with a more stable political outlook such as the UAE and Qatar.
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■ Since most markets in the region have large resource bases, their scale is not a strong competitive advantage for any one country in particular, though countries with smaller reserves, such as Bahrain and Tunisia, underperform the region.
■ Other underperformers are predominantly those with a less stable political environment or where internal conflict dissuades investment, such as Libya and Yemen.
Regional RRI Snapshot: UAE Leads The Way
MENA Upstream RRI
Scores Out Of 100. Higher Scores = Lower Risk. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
UAE And Qatar Top In MENA
As with the bulk of major producers in the MENA region, both the UAE and Qatar have a substantial
hydrocarbon resource base. What sets the two countries apart is the lower level of country risk, with among
the most stable political systems and strongest economic outlooks in the region.
The UAE claims the top spot in our MENA upstream index due to its more attractive licensing structures,
being one of the few countries in the region to offer concessions. Qatar ranks second in MENA, though on a
global scale the two countries are less competitive, placed at seventh and 16th in our global rankings
respectively.
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Egypt and Oman have a comparative strong showing in the regional tables, despite having marginally
smaller resource bases than many of their peers. Oman outperforms the region in the political and
operational risk categories, ranking third in risk scores in the region. The Sultanate's position is also
supported with one of the better bureaucratic and legal frameworks in the Middle East. Egypt scores
relatively well due to the greater number of companies operating and a competitive fiscal regime, though
underperforms in short-term risks and quality of infrastructure.
Highest Deviation Appears In Risk Scores
Deviation Of Risk & Reward Scores vs MENA Average Score
Rewards Risks
U A
E
Q a
ta r
S a
u d
i A ra
b ia
E g
yp t
O m
a n
A lg
e ri
a
K u w
a it
Ir a
q
Ir a
n
B a
h ra
in
Tu n
is ia
L ib
ya
Y e
m e
n
0
-50
-25
25
50
*Negative number = underperforms regional average. Possitive number = outperformes regional average. Source: BMI
Kuwait And Iran Struggle
Kuwait underperforms in the index despite having extensive oil and gas reserves. Similar to Saudi Arabia,
extensive state ownership of resources restricts foreign investors and poor licensing structures offers
minimal incentive to invest, though Kuwait in particular is dragged down by greater bureaucratic
inefficiencies.
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Iran also somewhat disappoints given its considerable oil and gas production potential. The main reason
behind this is the uncertainty around the fiscal environment as well as below average long-term political and
economic scores. More stability in domestic and international politics could see this improve.
War And Low Resource Bases Hurt
High Risk And Weak Rewards
Libya & Yemen vs MENA Average
Libya Yemen MENA Average
Industry Rewards
Country Rewards
Industry Risks
Country Risks
4
0
50
100
Source: BMI
The underperformers in our upstream RRI fall into two categories:
Firstly, the rare few countries in the Middle East that have a far smaller than average resource base, and
secondly, the countries ravaged by conflict.
Tunisia and Bahrain underperform the region in terms of resource base and production growth potential.
Both Yemen and Libya are in the midst of a civil war, which severely impacts the political, economic and
operating risk scores. Damage to infrastructure also requires heavy levels of investment. Libya ranks 80th in
our global upstream RRI, while Yemen ranks bottom of our 87 country index.
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Risks vs Rewards
MENA Upstream Risk/Reward Index
Scores out of 100, higher score = lower risk. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
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Rewards
MENA Upstream Rewards Index
Scores out of 100, higher score = lower risk. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
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Risks
MENA Upstream Risk Index
Scores out of 100, higher score = lower risk. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
New Upstream O&G Risk/Reward Index
We have overhauled our oil & gas Risk/Reward Index (RRI) methodology to more accurately capture the
different elements that impact the overall investment attractiveness of a country's upstream sector. We have
increased the number and variety of indicators that make up the final index's core and we have reassessed
the weightings of the Reward and Risk indicators to ensure the Risk/Reward environment is accurately
reflected through our matrix. The RRI uses a combination of our proprietary industry forecasts and analyst
assessment of the regulatory climate. As regulations evolve and forecasts change, so the Index scores
change, providing a highly dynamic and forward-looking result.
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Middle East & North Africa - Downstream Industry Risk/Reward Index
BMI View: Outperformers in the MENA Downstream RRI are identified by good access to feedstock,
modern refining facilities and a stable economic and political outlook. Countries with low refining
complexity high levels of political and economic instability hold the highest risk.
High Rewards Boost GCC
MENA Downstream - Risk/Reward Index Heat Map
Scores out of 100, Higher Score = More Attractive Market. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
Main Regional Features & Latest Updates:
■ The MENA region scores below the global average of 50, at just 43.2 in our Downstream Oil & Gas Risk/Reward Index (RRI).
■ The region's underperformance largely derives from the high level of risk, with fuel subsidies deterring foreign investment and poor political and economic outlooks.
■ MENA only achieves above average scores in the country rewards category, supported by a large refining capacity, strong fuels demand and excellent export opportunities.
■ MENA's combined score is substantially dragged down by the poor state and low complexity of the refining sectors in Iraq, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.
■ The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are the region's top performers, supported by both lower risk factors, more advanced refining sectors and substantial export capability.
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Regional RRI Snapshot: UAE & Qatar Lead, Saudi Catching Up
MENA Downstream RRI
Scores out of 100, Higher Score = More Attractive Market. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
Feedstock Availability & Modern Facilities Support Best Scores
Similar to the Upstream RRI, MENA's Downstream RRI is supported by strong country rewards, including
substantial feedstock availability, fuels export capacity and a strong domestic demand outlook. The top
performers in the region - the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia - are supported by modern and efficient
refining facilities that surpass domestic demand needs. Excess fuels production capacity beyond local
consumption needs is critical given fuel subsidies in domestic market limit margins.
This propels the top MENA markets above the global average score. Along with strong rewards showing,
the UAE and Qatar are further supported by among the most stable economic and political environments in
the region. Nonetheless, despite having the top two positions in the MENA Downstream RRI, the UAE and
Qatar rank 14th and 20th in our universe of 87 global markets.
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High Rewards See Top MENA Markets Outperform
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia vs Global Average
UAE Qatar Saudi Arabia Global Average
Industry Rewards
Country Rewards
Industry Risks
Country Risks
4
0
50
100
Source: BMI Downstream RRI
Civil War & Low Complexity Weigh On Rank
The MENA region as a whole is dragged down by the underperformance of Yemen and Libya that are
currently mired in civil war. Not only are the facilities in the two countries low complexity, both have also
faced operational inconsistency and damage after being targeted by militia and rebels. Libya ranks 84th and
Yemen 87th of our global downstream index.
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Extremely High Risk Markets
Yemen & Libya vs Global Average
Libya Yemen Global Average
Industry Rewards
Country Rewards
Industry Risks
Country Risks
4
0
25
50
75
Source: BMI Downstream RRI
Other weak scores in the region come from countries where refining sectors have suffered from chronic
underinvestment. Low complexity facilities that produce large amounts of less profitable heavy ends
combine with subsidies domestic markets and high risk political and economic landscapes. Iraq and Egypt
fall into this category, despite having large domestic markets that hold substantial demand potential.
Upgrades to facilities in Egypt and a new project at Karbala in Iraq, will support better scores in the coming
quarters.
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Low Complexity Hurts MENA Scores
% Residual Fuels Of Total Fuels Production 2016
Iraq Egypt Tunisia Iran Libya Kuwait Oman Saudi Arabia Algeria Yemen Bahrain United Arab Emirates Qatar
Country
0
20
40
60
More EfficientLess Efficient
Source: BMI
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Downstream Risks vs Rewards
MENA Downstream Risk/Reward Index
Scores out of 100, Higher Score = More Attractive Market. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
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Downstream Rewards
MENA Downstream Rewards Index
Scores out of 100, Higher Score = More Attractive Market. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
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Downstream Risks
MENA Downstream Risks Index
Scores out of 100, Higher Score = More Attractive Market. Source: BMI Risk/Reward Index
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Market Overview
Saudi Arabia Energy Market Overview
Regulatory Structure
The governance of Saudi Arabia's oil and gas sector has undergone significant change since King Salman
bin Abdulaziz al-Saud ascended to the throne in January 2015. The main changes are as follows:
■ The Supreme Council for Petroleum and Mineral Resources has been absorbed within the Council of Economic Development, which is headed by the Deputy Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman.
■ The national oil company, Saudi Aramco, has been separated from the Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources.
■ Saudi Aramco is under the supervision of the Supreme Council of the Saudi Aramco Oil Company (SCSA). The SCSA is formed of 10 members: five from the board of Aramco and five others. The SCSA is chaired by the Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
Saudi Aramco is the national oil company. Aramco is heavily dominant in the industry, in both the upstream
and downstream sectors, performing all commercial functions on behalf of the government.
Licensing Regime
Saudi Aramco is licensed through a petroleum concession agreement (PCA). Foreign companies participate
in the sector through joint ventures with Aramco. Given limited foreign participation and the closed nature
of the sector, we have little visibility on the terms of the PCA.
Fiscal Regime
Table: Saudi Arabia PCA Main Fiscal Terms
Corporate Income Tax
Royalties Fees And Bonuses
Resource Tax Export Duties Import Duties Other Key Fiscal Terms
85% - oil; 30%-85% - gas, gas condensates and NGLS
Yes - stipulated by contract
na na na Yes - typically at a rate of 5%
na
na = Not available/applicable. Source: Ernst & Young, BMI
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Oil And Gas Infrastructure
Oil Refineries
Table: Saudi Arabia Oil Refineries
Location Project Name Capacity, b/d Status Ownership
Jazan Jazan 400,000 Under construction Saudi Aramco (100%)
Jubail SATORP (Jubail) 400,000 Active Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP) is a
JV between Saudi Aramco (62.5%), Total (37.5%)
Al Jubail SASREF 305,000 Active Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Company (SASREF) is the operator
Jiddah (Jeddah) Jiddah (Jeddah) 100,000 Active Saudi Aramco
Rabigh Rabigh 400,000 Active Saudi Aramco (50%), Sumitomo (50%)
Riyadh Riyadh 124,000 Active Saudi Aramco (100%)
Yanbu SAMREF 400,000 Active Saudi Aramco Mobile Refinery Company (SAMREF) is a JV between
Saudi Aramco (50%), Exxonmobil (50%)
Yanbu YASREF 400,000 Active Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) is a JV between
Saudi Aramco 62.5%, Sinopec 37.5%
Ras Tanura Ras Tanura 550,000 Active Saudi Aramco
Source: BMI Global Refineries Database
Oil Terminals/Ports
Saudi Aramco operates oil export terminals at Duba, Jeddah, Jazan, Jubail, Ju'aymah and Ras Tanura,
while PetroRabigh operates a terminal at Rabigh. The most significant of these are the Ras Tanura facility
on the Persian Gulf and the Yanbu facility on the Red Sea.
Ras Tanura
The Ras Tanura oil terminal complex is located in the east of the country close to major producing fields,
and is linked by subsea pipeline to the Ju'aymah offshore oil terminal. The terminal comprises three
separate sections, known as the North Pier, South Pier and the Sea Islands. According to the Energy
Information Administration (EIA), the Sea Islands terminal has a capacity of around 6mn barrels a day (b/
d), with an additional 2.5mn b/d of capacity available at the two port terminals.
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Yanbu
Saudi Arabia's second major export route is located at the Red Sea port of Yanbu. According to the EIA, the
terminal has a capacity of around 4.5mn b/d of oil and 2mn b/d of natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined
products, and accounts for around a quarter of Saudi Arabia's oil exports. The terminal, which was
completed in 1982, was designed to reduce the country's strategic dependence on export routes that passed
through the Straits of Hormuz. An additional attraction of the location was its relative proximity to
European markets, allowing tankers to cut around 7,000km off the journey distance to Europe compared
with transporting oil from the Persian Gulf.
The Yanbu terminal is linked to the East-West oil pipeline and its parallel NGL pipeline, both of which
transport liquids from production centres further east. Oil can be processed at Aramco's refinery in the city,
or stored in one of the company's 11 floating roof crude oil storage tanks, each of 1mn barrels (bbl). The
facility also has two 250,000bbl cone roof storage tanks for bunker fuel.
Ras al-Ju'aymah
The Ras al-Ju'aymah oil terminal is located 11km offshore, close to the Ras Tanura oil terminal, to which it
is linked by subsea pipeline. According to the EIA, the facility has a capacity of up to 3.6mn b/d.
Rabigh
The Rabigh oil terminal is operated by the PetroRabigh refining company. The facility, which according to
Aramco has a maximum offloading hourly rate of 110,000bbl, was historically used to source crude oil
from Yanbu for the PetroRabigh refinery. Since 2005 the East-West pipeline spur to Rabigh has reduced
pressure on the port.
Oil Pipelines
According to the EIA, Saudi Arabia has around 15,000km of oil pipelines, operated by Saudi Aramco.
Although the country has several oil export pipelines, none are currently operational, meaning that all oil
exports are sent via tanker terminals. The domestic pipeline network does play a role in the country's
exports, however, by transporting oil to the country's west coast to the export terminal at Yanbu.
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East-West Oil Pipeline
The 1,202km East-West pipeline, also known as the Petroline, transports crude oil from the Abqaiq
processing plants in the east of the country to refineries and export terminals in the west. The pipeline,
which has a capacity of 5mn b/d, is operated by Saudi Aramco and transports mainly Arabian Light crude.
A 146km spur from the pipeline to the refinery and oil terminal at Rabigh was completed in 2005, allowing
600,000b/d to be transported and reducing the need to transport oil to the Rabigh refinery by sea. The
pipeline runs alongside a 290,000b/d NGL pipeline which provides feedstock for petrochemical plants in
Yanbu.
Shaybah-Abqaiq Pipeline
The Shaybah-Abqaiq pipeline runs north from the Shaybah oil field at the edge of the Rub al-Khali to Saudi
Aramco's major oil processing centre at Abqaiq. The 638km pipeline has a capacity of 660,000b/d.
Saudi Arabia-Bahrain Pipeline
Saudi Arabia exports about 230,000b/d of crude oil from Abqaiq to Bahrain via the AB-1 pipeline. All the
crude is refined at Bahrain's Sitra refinery.
Gas Pipelines
Saudi Arabia currently has no gas export pipelines and a relatively limited domestic gas distribution
network, known as the Master Gas System (MGS). Construction work started on the MGS in 1975 as a way
of reducing flaring of associated gas. The bulk of the network was completed by mid-1980. The pipeline
network is fed by 64 gas separator plants and is linked to three gas processing plants at Shedgum,
Uthmaniyah and Berri. NGLs from the MGS system are fed into the East-West NGL pipeline at Shedgum,
from where they are transported to Yanbu on the Red Sea.
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Company Profile Saudi Aramco Latest Updates
■ Saudi Aramco is set to sign a number of deals with US companies during the visit of President Trump to the country. Unconfirmed reports indicate that deals are on the table between the national oil company (NOC) and Schlumberger, General Electric, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford, General Electric, National Oilwell Varco, Nabors Industries and Rowan Companies.
■ If signed, the deals are intended to aid in the development of local manufacturing capabilities. This forms part of the broader Saudisation drive, which aims to increase the percentage of locally produced goods and services in the energy sector to 70.0% by 2021.
■ The planned IPO of Aramco received a major boost with the announcement by the Saudi government that income tax paid by the NOC would be reduced from 85.0% to 50.0%. This will significantly improve the company's valuation, by increasing the present value of its discounted future cash flows.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths ■ Vast oil and gas reserves base.
■ Strong technical capabilities.
■ Large-scale investment in technological development and innovation.
■ Dominant position in Saudi Arabia.
■ Significant spare production capacity.
Weaknesses ■ High cost and technical complexity of non-associated resource base.
■ High level of state control.
Opportunities ■ Substantial underexplored acreage offshore.
■ Large untapped unconventional resource base.
Threats ■ Social unrest concentrated in oil producing regions.
■ Rising insecurity in the Middle East region.
■ Sustained lower oil prices undercutting revenue.
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Company Overview Saudi Aramco is the national oil company for Saudi Arabia. It is a fully integrated
company, with full control of the kingdom's upstream assets and a dominant position in
the downstream. It currently produces around one in every nine barrels of crude
produced globally and is looking to raise its production in order to maintain exports
while growing domestic refining capacity. The company's main strategic aim is to
diversify downstream, both at home and abroad, in both the refining and
petrochemicals sectors.
Table: Major Upstream Assets In Saudi Arabia
Field Location Capacity (mn b/d)
Ghawar Onshore 5.8
Safaniya Offshore 1.2
Khurais Onshore 1.2
Manifa Offshore 0.9
Shaybah Onshore 0.8
Qatif Onshore 0.5
Khursaniyah Onshore 0.5
Zuluf Offshore 0.5
Abqaia Onshore 0.5
Source: EIA , BMI
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Regional Overview
MENA Oil & Gas Regional Overview
BMI View: Gas production in the MENA region is set for substantial growth over the next 10 years freeing
up domestically consumed oil for export. Oil production will also increase despite short-term OPEC
curtailments. Efforts to diversify economies will support new refining and petrochemicals projects adding
value to exports.
To highlight the key themes that inform BMI's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) oil and gas
forecasts, we have compared countries on the basis of the following key indicators:
■ Oil production
■ Oil consumption
■ Refining capacity
■ Gas production
■ Gas consumption
Our MENA coverage includes Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.
Oil Production: MENA Prepares For Tighter Market
Even with the production cut across OPEC and non-OPEC countries, we forecast oil production in the
MENA region to grow 0.9mn b/d in 2017 to 34.0mn b/d. While we currently see a high likelihood of deal to
roll over into H217, it will predominantly be the exempt MENA countries of Iran and Libya that will drive
the y-o-y growth in production given the lower base of output in these countries in 2016. In addition,
stronger demand in the MENA region over the summer months will see seasonal increases in production
and result in compliance slippage.
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Table: Marginal Impact On 2017 Output From Cut (000b/d)
2016 Crude And Condensate
Production 2017 Crude And Condensate
Production Y-o-Y Change
Algeria 1,635.3 1,655.7 20.4
Egypt 662.8 691.5 28.7
Libya 416.7 751.4 334.7
Tunisia 52.5 52.1 -0.4
Bahrain 55.5 55.1 -0.4
Iran 3,660.6 3,923.2 262.6
Iraq 4,459.2 4,619.3 160.1
Kuwait 3,077.4 3,094.9 17.5
Oman 1,008.3 1,000.5 -7.8
Qatar 1,964.1 1,940.4 -23.7
Saudi Arabia 12,452.3 12,385.7 -66.6
United Arab Emirates 3,895.0 3,908.8 13.8
Yemen 12.5 12.3 -0.2
Source: BMI
Beyond 2017, countries in the MENA region with the capability to quickly bring back any spare production
capacity created from limiting output will do so as the market tightens. A number of major projects, both
gas and oil, remain under development and will drive production growth over the coming years:
■ Saudi Arabia has vowed to maintain its 12.5mn b/d of crude production capacity adding 300,000b/d at the Khurais oil field, 900,000b/d at Manifa and up to 1mn b/d at Shaybah. Production from the neutral zone share with Kuwait is also offline and could return in 2017.
■ Kuwait, which will also benefit from a potential neutral zone restart, is investing to reach its target crude and condensate production capacity of 3.165mn b/d in 2017 and 4.0mn b/d by 2020. There has been an aggressive increase in the number of operating rigs in Kuwait over late 2016 and early 2017.
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Kuwait Steps Up Drilling
Key MENA Oil Producer Rig Counts
KUWAIT ALGERIA EGYPT IRAQ OMAN SAUDI ARABIA UAE
Jun- 16
Jul- 16
Aug- 16
Sep- 16
Oct- 16
Nov- 16
Dec- 16
Jan- 17
Feb- 17
0
50
100
150
Source: Baker Hughes
■ The UAE is aiming to increase crude oil output to 3.5mn b/d by the end of 2018 and sustain that output for 25 years. ExxonMobil's Upper Zakum expansion and the addition of Total, BP, CNPC and Inpex to the onshore concession investors will support this.
■ Iraq has an oil production target of 5.5mn b/d to 6.0mn b/d by 2020, supported by contracted production plateau levels at its largest oil fields. The combined plateau target output of the Rumaila, West Qurna-2, Majnoon, Zubair and Halfaya is 5.55mn b/d.
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MENA Preparing For Tighter Crude Market
Oil Production In Major MENA Producers (000b/d)
Algeria Egypt Libya Tunisia Bahrain Iran Iraq Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates
2 0
1 5
e
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0
1 8 f
2 0 1
9 f
2 0
2 0 f
2 0 2
1 f
2 0 2
2 f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5 f
2 0
2 6
f
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
Source: BMI, JODI, OPEC, National Sources
We forecast crude, condensate and oil liquids production to increase by more than 4mn b/d from 2017 to
2026, with the 13 countries we cover in the MENA region increasing output from 34.0mn b/d to 38.3mn b/
d. This will be driven by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait.
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Refined Fuels Consumption: Growth Slowed By Subsidy Reform
Low oil prices are forcing fuel subsidy reform as government budgets need to be recalibrated due to lower
revenues. All Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Egypt have implemented changes to increase
pump prices for gasoline, and in some cases diesel. Numbing powerful refined fuel demand growth will be
essential to prevent countries from dropping net oil export levels and enact production cuts. All major
MENA states have seen the price of fuel increase since mid-2015, and in most cases this has led to a weaker
growth or even negative year-on-year demand.
Table: Average Gasoline Pump Price June 2015 & March 2017 (USD/Litre)
June-15 March-17
Saudi Arabia 0.12 0.24
Kuwait 0.20 0.34
Qatar 0.26 0.47
Bahrain 0.27 0.42
Oman* 0.29 0.51
UAE* 0.47 0.52
Egypt 0.20 0.38
*Revised monthly in line with global market prices; accurate as of March 30 2017. Source: globalpetrolprices.com
After falling in 2016, consumption patterns across MENA will stabilise 2017. A rise in fuel prices across
countries with large consumer bases will stunt the level of demand growth going forward. We also
anticipate a switch from higher quality fuels to lower grades, given the largest price increases have been
made in the premium 98 and 95 octane fuels, while 91 and lower have seen less of an increase. Economic
diversification efforts, particularly in expanding the refining and petrochemical sectors, will continue to
drive demand for oil. The MENA region also has a young demographic and a decent vehicle sales outlook,
pointing to stronger domestic demand. That said, weaker economic growth as governments are unable to
invest into economies and the likelihood of further subsidy cuts, will curb the rate of consumption growth.
We forecast Middle East refined product consumption to increase from 9.9mn b/d in 2017 to 11.5mn b/d in
2026. The rise of 1.6mn b/d (16%) over the ten years to 2026, is a marked slowdown in growth compared to
a 2.2mn b/d (29%) increase over the prior ten years from 2006.
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Subsidy Reform Curbing Consumption Growth
MENA Refined Fuels Consumption (000b/d)
Algeria Egypt Libya Tunisia Bahrain Iran Iraq Israel Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Yemen
2 0 1
5 e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0 1
7 f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0
1 9 f
2 0
2 0 f
2 0
2 1 f
2 0
2 2 f
2 0
2 3 f
2 0
2 4 f
2 0
2 5 f
2 0 2
6 f
0
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
Source: BMI, JODI, National Sources
Refining Capacity: Mega Refineries To Support Economic Diversification
With an abundance of low-cost feedstock and widespread government support to diversify the economy
away from crude oil exports, the MENAs refining capacity is forecast to grow strongly across our 10-year
forecast period. However, with government budgets set to be limited by lower oil prices in the coming four
to five years, capacity expansion beyond those currently in the pipeline will be limited. We forecast refining
capacity in MENA to increase from 11.3mn b/d in 2017 to 13.1mn b/d in 2020. Beyond 2020
New investment will be spread across a number of greenfield and brownfield developments, but
key contributors to growth include:
■ Saudi Arabia's 400,000b/d Jizan facility is slated for start-up in 2018.
■ Kuwait has awarded USD11.5bn in contracts for the 615,000b/d Al Zour refinery and is targeting operational start-up by 2020.
■ Iraq let the contract for the 140,000b/d Karbala refinery in June 2015, which is due to be completed by 2020.
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■ Iran is due to bring on the first 120,000b/d phase of the Persian Gulf Star refinery by early 2017, with two subsequent 120,000b/d phases following. The country has also proposed an extensive upgrade programme to modernise existing facilities.
■ Expansions at the Sohar in Oman (2017) and Sitra in Bahrain (2018) will boost crude distillation capacity.
Fuels import demand in the major consumption market of Europe is forecast to be flat to negative, forcing
the Middle East to lean on Asia for fuels exports. China and India are also building up their own domestic
refining centres, leaving an increasingly crowded global market. However, the new facilities being built in
the Middle East benefit from access to low-cost feedstock, are efficient and leverage economies of
scale, which all combine to offer an advantage in a competitive fuels market.
Diversifying Through Refined Product Exports
MENA Refining Capacity & Refined Product Consumption (000b/d)
Crude oil refining capacity, 000b/d Refined products consumption, 000b/d
2 0
1 5
2 0
1 6
e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
Source: BMI
Gas Production: Gas Importance Grows To Support Oil Exports
MENA gas production is set for strong growth as the region continues to substitute more costly and less
efficient oil with gas in power generation. Increased gas output is intended to free up more crude for export,
or prevent exports from declining as domestic oil demand rises. We forecast natural gas production in the
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MENA region to increase 13% from 2017 to 2026, rising from 836bcm to 946bcm, with more potential
upside from Iran depending on IPC uptake from foreign investors.
Much of the gas in the Middle East is associated in oilfields and few countries have developed sufficient
infrastructure to collect and transport this resource to demand centres. A further disincentive to progress is
that many countries do not have separate regulations governing associated gas production, creating a lack of
clarity around the reward for monetising gas. As a result, large volumes of gas that could be monetised are
flared - particularly in Iraq and Iran.
Gas Focus Grows
MENA Gas Production (bcm)
Algeria Egypt Libya Tunisia Bahrain Iran Iraq Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Yemen
2 0
1 5
e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0
1 7 f
2 0
1 8
f
2 0
1 9
f
2 0 2
0 f
2 0 2
1 f
2 0 2
2 f
2 0 2
3 f
2 0 2
4 f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
500
1,000
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: National sources, EIA, BMI
Non-associated gas will be the largest contributor to new gas output:
■ Iran holds the most gas production upside through further phase development of the South Pars field, which could add over 60bcm of production capacity in the next five years. Foreign investment and export routes will be essential to realising this.
■ Oman is progressing the Khazzan gas project, which will boost gas production by 15bcm from 2017
■ In Saudi Arabia, the Wasit gas project has already reduced crude burn over 2016 - supporting oil exports - and the Fadhilli gas development (26bcm) will be major boost to gas growth in 2019.
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■ The Miran project (8bcm) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Barzan phase 2 (10bcm) in Qatar will also be major additions over the next few years.
Gas Consumption: Industrial Growth And Power Strengthen Consumption
All countries in the MENA region will see gas consumption grow over the next 10 years and this will be at
a faster rate than production growth. We forecast gas consumption to increase from 682bcm in 2017 to
828bcm in 2026, an increase of 21.4%.
Consumption will be driven by the region's burgeoning downstream sector - in particular petrochemicals -
and a gradual reorientation of the power sector from oil to gas-fired generation. In many MENA countries,
oil continues to be used in power plants due to insufficient gas availability, while some gas power facilities
are idle or working at low capacity due to lack of supply. Gas reinjection is also increasing throughout the
Middle East to maintain reservoir pressures at maturing oil fields.
Burgeoning Gas Demand
Selected Middle East Countries - Gas Consumption (bcm)
Algeria Egypt Libya Tunisia Bahrain Iran Iraq Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Yemen
2 0
1 5
e
2 0 1
6 e
2 0
1 7
f
2 0 1
8 f
2 0 1
9 f
2 0
2 0
f
2 0
2 1
f
2 0
2 2
f
2 0
2 3
f
2 0
2 4
f
2 0
2 5
f
2 0
2 6
f
0
250
500
750
1,000
e/f = BMI estimate/forecast. Source: EIA, BMI
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Glossary
Table: Glossary of Terms
AOR additional oil recovery KCTS Kazakh Caspian Transport System
APA awards for predefined areas km kilometres
API American Petroleum Institute LAB linear alkyl benzene
bbl barrel LDPE low density polypropylene
bcm billion cubic metres LNG liquefied natural gas
b/d barrels per day LPG liquefied petroleum gas
bn billion m metres
boe barrels of oil equivalent mcm thousand cubic metres
BTC Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Mcm mn cubic metres
BTU British thermal unit MEA Middle East and Africa
Capex capital expenditure mn million
CBM coal bed methane MoU memorandum of understanding
CEE Central and Eastern Europe mt metric tonne
CPC Caspian Pipeline Consortium MW megawatts
CSG coal seam gas na not available/ applicable
DoE US Department of Energy NGL natural gas liquids
EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction &Development NOC national oil company
EEZ exclusive economic zone OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development
e/f estimate/forecast OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
EIA US Energy Information Administration PE polyethylene
EM emerging markets PP polypropylene
EOR enhanced oil recovery PSA production sharing agreement
E&P exploration and production PSC production sharing contract
EPSA exploration and production sharingagreement q-o-q quarter-on-quarter
FID final investment decision R&D research and development
FDI foreign direct investment R/P reserves/production
FEED front end engineering and design RPR reserves to production ratio
FPSO floating production, storage and offloading SGI strategic gas initiative
FTA free trade agreement SoI statement of intent
FTZ free trade zone SPA sale and purchase agreement
GDP gross domestic product SPR strategic petroleum reserve
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Glossary of Terms - Continued
AOR additional oil recovery KCTS Kazakh Caspian Transport System
G&G geological and geophysical t/d tonnes per day
GoM Gulf of Mexico tcm trillion cubic metres
GS geological survey toe tonnes of oil equivalent
GTL gas-to-liquids conversion tpa tonnes per annum
GW gigawatts TRIPS Trade-Related Aspects of IntellectualProperty Rights
GWh gigawatt hours trn trillion
HDPE high density polyethylene T&T Trinidad & Tobago
HoA heads of agreement TTPC Trans-Tunisian Pipeline Company
IEA International Energy Agency TWh terawatt hours
IGCC integrated gasification combined cycle UAE United Arab Emirates
IOC international oil company USGS US Geological Survey
IPI Iran-Pakistan-India Pipeline WAGP West African Gas Pipeline
IPO initial public offering WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
JOC joint operating company WTI West Texas Intermediate
JPDA joint petroleum development area WTO World Trade Organization
Source: BMI
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Methodology
Industry Forecast Methodology
BMI's industry forecasts are generated using the best-practice techniques of time-series modelling and
causal/econometric modelling. The precise form of model we use varies from industry to industry, in each
case being determined, as per standard practice, by the prevailing features of the industry data being
examined.
Common to our analysis of every industry is the use of vector autoregressions. Vector autoregressions allow
us to forecast a variable using more than the variable's own history as explanatory information. For
example, when forecasting oil prices, we can include information about oil consumption, supply and
capacity.
When forecasting for some of our industry sub-component variables, however, using a variable's own
history is often the most desirable method of analysis. Such single-variable analysis is called univariate
modelling. We use the most common and versatile form of univariate models: the autoregressive moving
average model (ARMA).
In some cases, ARMA techniques are inappropriate because there is insufficient historic data or data quality
is poor. In such cases, we use either traditional decomposition methods or smoothing methods as a basis for
analysis and forecasting.
BMI mainly uses OLS estimators and in order to avoid relying on subjective views and encourage the use
of objective views, BMI uses a 'general-to-specific' method. BMI mainly uses a linear model, but simple
non-linear models, such as the log-linear model, are used when necessary. During periods of 'industry
shock', for example poor weather conditions impeding agricultural output, dummy variables are used to
determine the level of impact.
Effective forecasting depends on appropriately selected regression models. BMI selects the best model
according to various different criteria and tests, including but not exclusive to:
■ R2 tests explanatory power; adjusted R2 takes degree of freedom into account;
■ Testing the directional movement and magnitude of coefficients;
■ Hypothesis testing to ensure coefficients are significant (normally t-test and/or P-value);
■ All results are assessed to alleviate issues related to auto-correlation and multi-collinearity.
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BMI uses the selected best model to perform forecasting.
Human intervention plays a necessary and desirable role in all of BMI's industry forecasting. Experience,
expertise and knowledge of industry data and trends ensure that analysts spot structural breaks, anomalous
data, turning points and seasonal features where a purely mechanical forecasting process would not.
Sector-Specific Methodology
There are a number of principal criteria that drive our forecasts for each energy indicator.
Energy Supply
This covers the supply of crude oil, natural gas, refined oil products and electrical power, which is
determined largely by investment levels, available capacity, plant utilisation rates and national policy. We
therefore examine:
■ National energy policy, stated output goals and investment levels;
■ Company-specific capacity data, output targets and capital expenditures, using national, regional and multinational company sources;
■ International quotas, guidelines and projections from organisations such as OPEC, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Energy Consumption
A mixture of methods is used to generate demand forecasts, applied as appropriate to each individual
country:
■ Underlying economic (GDP) growth for individual countries/regions, sourced from BMI published estimates;
■ Historic relationships between GDP growth and energy demand growth in an individual country are analysed and used as the basis for predicting levels of consumption;
■ Government projections for oil, gas and electricity demand;
■ Third-party agency projections for regional demand, from organisations such as the IEA, EIA and OPEC;
Extrapolation of capacity expansion forecasts based on company- or state-specific investment levels.
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Cross Checks
Whenever possible, we compare government and/or third-party agency projections with the declared
spending and capacity expansion plans of the companies operating in each individual country. Where there
are discrepancies, we use company-specific data as physical spending patterns to determine capacity and
supply capability. Similarly, we compare capacity expansion plans and demand projections to check the
energy balance of each country. Where the data suggest imports or exports, we check that necessary
capacity exists or that the required investment in infrastructure is taking place.
Source
Sources include those international bodies mentioned above, such as OPEC, IEA, and EIA, as well as local
energy ministries, official company information, and international and national news, plus international and
national news agencies.
Upstream Risk/Reward Methodology
Our Upstream Oil & Gas Risk/Reward Index (RRI) quantifies and ranks a country's attractiveness within
the context of the oil industry, based on the balance between the risks and rewards of entering and
operating in different countries.
We combine industry-specific characteristics with broader economic, political and operational market
characteristics. We weight these inputs in terms of their importance to investor decision making in a given
industry. The result is a nuanced and accurate reflection of the realities facing investors in terms of: 1) the
balance between opportunities and risk; and 2) between sector-specific and broader market traits. This
enables users of the index to assess a market's attractiveness in a regional and global context.
The index combines our proprietary forecasts and analyst assessment of the regulatory regime. As
regulations and forecasts change, so the index scores change providing a highly dynamic and forward-
looking result.
The Upstream Oil & Gas Risk Reward Index comprises 87 countries.
Benefits of using BMI's Upstream Oil & Gas RRI
■ Global Rankings: A global table, ranking all the countries for upstream oil & gas from least (closest to zero) to most (closest to 100) attractive.
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■ Accessibility: Easily accessible, top down view of the global, regional or sub-regional Risk/Reward profiles.
■ Comparability: Identical methodology across 87 countries for oil and gas allows users to build lists of countries they wish to compare, beyond the confines of a global or regional grouping.
■ Scoring: Scores out of 100 with a wide distribution, provide nuanced investment comparisons. The higher the score, the more favourable the country profile.
■ Quantifiable: Quantifies the rewards and risks of doing business in the upstream sector in different countries around the world and helps identify specific flashpoints in the overall business environment.
■ Comprehensive: Comprehensive set of indicators, assessing industry-specific risks and rewards alongside political, economic and operating risks.
■ Entry Point: A starting point to assess the outlook for the upstream oil & gas sector, from which users can access more granular forecasts and analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the market.
■ Balanced: Multi-indicator structure prevents outliers and extremes from distorting final scores and rankings.
■ Methodology is a combination of proprietary BMI forecasts, analyst insights and globally acceptable benchmark indicators (for example, World Bank's Doing Business Scores, Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index).
Weightings of Categories And Indicators
Upstream Risk Reward Index
Source: BMI
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The upstream RRI matrix divides into two distinct categories:
Rewards:
Evaluation of an Industry's size and growth potential (Industry Rewards), and also macro industry and/or
country characteristics that directly impact the size of business opportunities in a specific sector (Country
Rewards).
Risks:
Evaluation of micro, industry-specific characteristics, crucial for an industry to develop to its
potential (Industry Risks) and a quantifiable assessment of the country's political, economic and
operational profile (Country Risks).
Assessing our Weightings:
Our matrix is deliberately overweight on Rewards (70% of the final RRI score for upstream markets) and
within that, the Industry Rewards segment (60% of final Rewards score). This is to reflect the fact that when
it comes to long term investment potential, industry size and growth potential carry the most weight in
indicating opportunities, with other structural factors (demand outlooks and infrastructure integrity)
weighing in, but to a slightly lesser extent. In addition, our focus and expertise in Emerging and Frontier
Markets has dictated this bias towards industry size and growth to ensure we are able to identify
opportunities in countries where regulatory frameworks are not as developed and industry sizes not as big
(in USD terms) as in developed markets, but where we know there is a strong desire to invest.
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Table: Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Upstream RRI
Indicator Source Rationale
Rewards
Industry Rewards
Oil Reserves (bn bbl) BMI data Indicates size of the opportunity for oil developments
Gas Reserves (bcm) BMI data Indicates size of the opportunity for gas developments
Discoveries Rate - last FIVE years BMI Calculation Outlines the prospectivity and potential of the upstream
Hydrocarbon Production (boe) BMI forecast Five-year forward looking indication of production volumes
Hydrocarbon Production Growth (boe, %)
BMI forecast Five-year forward looking indication of production growth
Country Rewards
State Asset Ownership (%) BMI Calculation Demonstrates the potential access and restrictions to resources
Competitive Landscape BMI Calculation Divides resource base by the approximate number of companies operating to indicate the level of competition.
Infrastructure Integrity BMI Calculation Calculates the extent and quality of oil and gas infrastructure, indicating ease of access and level of maintenance investment needed.
Risks
Industry Risks
Licence Type BMI Calculation Outlines a country score based on whether oil and gas licenses are offered as concessions, production sharing agreements or service contracts.
Income Tax Government Source Outlines the relative tax rate incurred by oil and gas companies.
Royalties & Special Taxes Government Source Indicates further required payments (and supplementary taxes) beyond income tax.
Bureaucratic Environment BMI Operational Risk Score
Outlines the ease of business processes, with a particular emphasis on mitigating the risk of delay to project timelines.
Legal Environment Risk BMI Operational Risk Score
A second ease of business indicator, highlighting potential challenges with the transparency and effectiveness of rule of law.
Country Risks
Long-Term Economic Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The LT ERI takes into account the structural characteristics of economic growth, the labour market, price stability, exchange rate stability and the sustainability of the balance of payments, as well as fiscal and external debt outlooks for the coming decade.
Short-Term Economic Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The ST ERI seeks to define current vulnerabilities and assess real GDP growth, inflation, unemployment, exchange rate fluctuation, balance of payments dynamics, as well as fiscal and external debt credentials over the coming two years
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Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Upstream RRI - Continued
Indicator Source Rationale
Long-Term Political Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The LT PRI assesses a country's structural political characteristics based on our assumption that liberal, democratic states with no sectarian tensions and broad-based income equality exhibit the strongest characteristics in favour of political stability, over a multiyear timeframe.
Short-term Political Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The ST PRI assesses pertinent political risks to investment climate stability over a shorter time frame, up to 24 months forward.
Operational Risk Index BMI Operational Risk Index
The ORI focuses on existing conditions relating to four main risk areas: Labour Market, Trade and Investment, Logistics, and Crime and Security.
Source: BMI
Downstream Risk/Reward Methodology
Our Downstream Oil & Gas Risk/Reward Index (RRI) quantifies and ranks a country's attractiveness within
the context of the downstream industry, based on the balance between the risks and rewards of entering
and operating in different countries.
We combine industry-specific characteristics with broader economic, political and operational market
characteristics. We weight these inputs in terms of their importance to investor decision making in a given
industry. The result is a nuanced and accurate reflection of the realities facing investors in terms of: 1) the
balance between opportunities and risk; and 2) between sector-specific and broader market traits. This
enables users of the index to assess a market's attractiveness in a regional and global context.
The index combines our proprietary forecasts and analyst assessment of the regulatory regime. As
regulations and forecasts change, so the Index scores change providing a highly dynamic and forward-
looking result.
The Downstream Oil & Gas Risk/Reward Index comprises 87 countries.
Benefits of using BMI's Downstream Oil & Gas RRI
■ Global Rankings: A global table, ranking all the countries for downstream from least (closest to zero) to most (closest to 100) attractive.
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■ Accessibility: Easily accessible, top down view of the global, regional or sub-regional Risk/Reward profiles.
■ Comparability: Identical methodology across 87 countries for downstream oil allows users to build lists of countries they wish to compare, beyond the confines of a global or regional grouping.
■ Scoring: Scores out of 100 with a wide distribution, provide nuanced investment comparisons. The higher the score, the more favourable the country profile.
■ Quantifiable: Quantifies the rewards and risks of doing business in the downstream sector in different countries and helps identify specific flashpoints in the overall business environment.
■ Comprehensive: Comprehensive set of indicators, assessing industry-specific risks and rewards alongside political, economic and operating risks.
■ Entry Point: A starting point to assess the outlook for the downstream sector, from which users can access more granular forecasts and analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the market.
■ Balanced: Multi-indicator structure prevents outliers and extremes from distorting final scores and rankings.
■ Methodology is a combination of proprietary BMI forecasts, analyst insights and globally acceptable benchmark indicators (for example, World Bank's Doing Business Scores, Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index).
Weightings of Categories And Indicators
Downstream Risk Reward Index
Source: BMI
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The downstream RRI matrix divides into two distinct categories:
Rewards:
Evaluation of an industry's size and growth potential (Industry Rewards), and also macro industry and/or
country characteristics that directly impact the size of business opportunities in a specific sector (Country
Rewards).
Risks:
Evaluation of micro, industry-specific characteristics, crucial for an industry to develop to its
potential (Industry Risks) and a quantifiable assessment of the country's political, economic and
operational profile (Country Risks).
Assessing our Weightings:
Our matrix is deliberately overweight on Rewards (60% of the final RRI score for a market) and within that,
the Industry Rewards segment (60% of final Rewards score). This is to reflect the fact that when it comes to
long-term investment potential, industry size and growth potential carry the most weight in indicating
opportunities, with other structural factors (demographic, labour statistics and infrastructure availability)
weighing in, but to a slightly lesser extent. In addition, our focus and expertise in Emerging and Frontier
Markets has dictated this bias towards industry size and growth to ensure we are able to identify
opportunities in countries where regulatory frameworks are not as developed and industry sizes not as big
(in USD terms) as in developed markets, but where we know there is a strong desire to invest.
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Table: Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Downstream RRI
Indicator Source Rationale
Rewards
Industry Rewards
Refining Capacity ('000b/d) - five-year average
BMI Forecast Quantifies the current size of the refining sector as a comparison to peer markets
Utilisation Rates (%) - five-year average BMI Calculation Outlines the efficiency of the existing facilities, identifying over or under capacity
Domestic Fuels demand ('000b/d) - five-year average
BMI Forecast Shows the size of the domestic market demand as a comparison to peer markets
Fuel Demand (% Growth) - five-year average BMI Forecast Indentifies the domestic demand opportunity and trend in consumption patterns
Regional Fuel Demand - five-year average BMI Forecast Shows the regional export market size to represent the opportunity for exports
Life Span of Infrastructure BMI Calculation Approximate calculation of the life span of infrastructure to identify the need remaining operating life
Theoretical Net Crude Exports ('000b/d) - five year average
BMI Calculation Identifies spare capacity of domestic oil supply as a potential feedstock
Country Rewards
State asset ownership (%) BMI Calculation Indicates how much of the given market is open for private investment
Infrastructure Integrity BMI Calculation A metric used to identify the level of maintenance, upgrade and modernisation required in each market
Risks
Industry Risks
Logistics Risk Rating BMI Operational Risk Index
Offers a comparative indicator on ease of transport for feedstock supply, fuels distribution and import/export flexibility.
Fuel Subsidies BMI Calculation Penalizes a market's score if fuels prices are sold at below market costs.
Country Risks
Long-Term Economic Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The LT ERI takes into account the structural characteristics of economic growth, the labour market, price stability, exchange rate stability and the sustainability of the balance of payments, as well as fiscal and external debt outlooks for the coming decade.
Short-Term Economic Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The ST ERI seeks to define current vulnerabilities and assess real GDP growth, inflation, unemployment, exchange rate fluctuation, balance of payments dynamics, as well as fiscal and external debt credentials over the coming two years
Long-Term Political Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The LT PRI assesses a country's structural political characteristics based on our assumption that liberal, democratic states with
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Indicators - Explanation And Sources - Downstream RRI - Continued
Indicator Source Rationale no sectarian tensions and broad-based income equality exhibit the strongest characteristics in favour of political stability, over a multiyear timeframe.
Short-Term Political Risk Index BMI Country Risk Index The ST PRI assesses pertinent political risks to investment climate stability over a shorter time frame, up to 24 months forward.
Operational Risk Index BMI Operational Risk Index
The ORI focuses on existing conditions relating to four main risk areas: Labour Market, Trade and Investment, Logistics, and Crime and Security.
Source: BMI
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