Aramco to Acquire 40% Stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan

The planned acquisition is Aramco’s first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market. Aramco website
The planned acquisition is Aramco’s first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market. Aramco website
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Aramco to Acquire 40% Stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan

The planned acquisition is Aramco’s first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market. Aramco website
The planned acquisition is Aramco’s first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market. Aramco website

Saudi Aramco has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 40% equity stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd. (“GO”).

GO, a diversified downstream fuels, lubricants and convenience stores operator, is one of the largest retail and storage companies in Pakistan. The transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The planned acquisition is Aramco’s first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market, advancing the Company’s strategy to strengthen its downstream value chain internationally, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

This transaction would enable Aramco to secure additional outlets for its refined products and further provide new market opportunities for Valvoline-branded lubricants, following Aramco’s acquisition of the Valvoline Inc. global products business in February 2023, it said.

“Our second planned retail acquisition this year aligns with Aramco’s downstream expansion strategy, with a clear path ahead for growing an integrated refining, marketing, lubricants, trading and chemicals portfolio worldwide,” said Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani.

“GO has a significant storage capacity, high-quality assets and growth potential, which will help launch the Aramco brand in Pakistan,” he added.



Saudi Minister of Finance Approves 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Finance Approves 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Abdullah Al-Jadaan approved on Sunday the Annual Borrowing Plan for the fiscal year 2025, following its endorsement by the Board of Directors of the National Debt Management Center.

The plan highlights key developments in public debt for 2024, initiatives related to local debt markets, and the funding plan and its guiding principles for 2025, in addition to the 2025 issuances’ calendar for the Local Saudi Sukuk Issuance Program in Saudi Riyal.

According to the plan, the projected funding needs for 2025 are estimated at approximately SAR139 billion. The amount is intended to cover the anticipated budget deficit of SAR101 billion for the fiscal year 2025, as outlined in the Ministry of Finance’s Official Budget Statement, and the principals’ repayment of the debts maturing in the current year, 2025, amounting to approximately SAR38 billion.

To boost the sustainability of the Kingdom's access to various debt markets and broaden the investor base, Saudi Arabia aims in 2025 to continue diversifying local and international financing channels to efficiently meet funding needs.

This will be achieved through the issuance of sovereign debt instruments at fair pricing, guided by well-defined and robust risk management frameworks.

Additionally, the Kingdom plans to benefit from market opportunities by executing private transactions that can promote economic growth, such as export credit agency financing, infrastructure development project financing, capital expenditure (CAPEX) financing, and exploring tapping into new markets and currencies based on market conditions.