Saudi Energy Minister: I Don’t Have Crystal Ball to Predict Future of Oil Markets

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks during 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks during 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Energy Minister: I Don’t Have Crystal Ball to Predict Future of Oil Markets

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks during 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks during 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2023. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Sunday that he does not know what the future of the oil markets holds.

“I don’t have a crystal ball to predict oil prices,” he told the 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh.

At the same time, OPEC+ members are working on preserving the stability of global energy prices, he added.

Moreover, he remarked that Saudi Arabia’s geographic position boosts its ability to reach many parties and expand investments with all countries.

Prince Abdulaziz revealed that Saudi Arabia and China will unveil joint investments, adding that they have a great capacity for bilateral cooperation given Beijing’s growing demand for oil.

“Oil demand in China is still growing so of course we have to capture some of that demand,” he noted. “Instead of competing with China, collaborate with China.”

The Kingdom and China are working on a number of investments, including in renewable energy, he said.

Furthermore, the minister dismissed criticism of the growing relations between Saudi Arabia and China, saying: “I actually ignore it because ... as a business person... now you will go where opportunity comes your way.”

“We don't have to be facing any choice which has to do with (saying) either with us or with the others,” he added.



German Coalition Reaches Breakthrough on 2025 Budget, Financial Plan

A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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German Coalition Reaches Breakthrough on 2025 Budget, Financial Plan

A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The leaders of Germany's three-party coalition on Friday achieved a breakthrough in negotiations on the national budget for 2025, dpa has learnt from government sources.

The coalition leaders have also reached a preliminary deal on a financial plan to secure additional economic growth of more than 0.5% - worth an estimated €26 million ($28 million) - in the coming year.

Sources told dpa that the coalition plans to stick with strict rules against budget deficits, known as the debt brake, banking on a significant increase in economic output to overcome shortfalls in government spending.

The breakthrough comes after weeks of negotiations between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens and Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP).

The key sticking point has been a €10 billion deficit in government expenditure, with Lindner's FDP refusing to sideline the debt brake to allow for additional borrowing and investments, and the SPD ruling out any cuts to welfare spending.

Sources told dpa that the new deal includes a supplementary budget totalling €11 billion to overcome lower-than-expected tax revenues and higher government spending.