OPEC Expects its Market Share to Rise 40% in 2040

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais (Reuters)
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais (Reuters)
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OPEC Expects its Market Share to Rise 40% in 2040

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais (Reuters)
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais (Reuters)

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais said he expected the organization’s market share to increase from 30% to more than 40% by 2040.

The increase will come from production decreases from non-OPEC+ countries, Al-Arabiya quoted Al-Ghais as saying.

“This will happen after production decreases from countries outside OPEC+ or outside OPEC. The US production is expected to decrease by 2029-2030, as well as other countries,” he told the agency.

For his part, Kuwaiti Oil Minister Saad Al-Barrak told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Thursday that his country would invest more than $300 billion in the energy sector by 2040.

The OPEC energy ministers held a meeting on Wednesday to attend the eighth international OPEC conference in Vienna.

Participants in the meeting reviewed the market conditions and agreed to continue consultations with their non-OPEC counterparts, through the approved mechanisms, including the Meetings of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, and the ministerial meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC countries, in continuation of their efforts to support the stability and balance of oil markets.

During the meeting, the ministers expressed their appreciation to Saudi Arabia for extending its voluntary cut of one million barrels per day, to the month of August.

They also thanked Russia for the additional voluntary cut of 500,000 barrels per day in exports, and Algeria for the additional voluntary cut of 20,000 barrels per day in August.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Oil Ministry said that Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani met with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, on the sidelines of the OPEC conference.

The two officials underlined the importance of joint coordination between the member states of the OPEC and OPEC Plus to achieve stability in global oil markets.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.