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Saudi Aramco CEO Says Phasing out of Fossil Fuels Is a ‘Fantasy’ 

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser speaks at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. (X platform)
Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser speaks at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. (X platform)
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Saudi Aramco CEO Says Phasing out of Fossil Fuels Is a ‘Fantasy’ 

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser speaks at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. (X platform)
Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser speaks at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. (X platform)

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said on Monday global oil demand will not peak for some time, so policy makers need to ensure sufficient investment in oil and gas to meet consumption and abandon the fantasy of phasing out fossil fuels.

In remarks to oil and gas executives at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, he added that despite growing investment, alternative energy has yet to displace hydrocarbons at scale.

"All this strengthens the view that peak oil and gas is unlikely for some time to come, let alone 2030," he said.

Oil demand will reach a new record of 104 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, Nasser remarked.

Moreover, he stated that shipping disruption in the Red Sea due to attacks by Yemen's Houthi militias had "made a tight situation tighter" in shipping markets.

He added, however, that the attacks had minimal impact on Saudi oil exports. Aramco remained resilient, aided by its strategic infrastructure, including the East-West pipeline.

He reiterated Aramco’s substantial spare capacity of 3 million bpd, reaffirming the company’s readiness to address any unforeseen disruptions in global oil supply.

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Oil Rises as Investors Weigh Market Outlook, Tariffs, Sanctions

A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
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Oil Rises as Investors Weigh Market Outlook, Tariffs, Sanctions

A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk

Oil prices rose by around 1% on Friday as investors weighed a tight prompt market against a potential large surplus this year forecast by the IEA, while US tariffs and possible further sanctions on Russia were also in focus.

Brent crude futures were up 76 cents, or 1.11%, at $69.40 a barrel as of 1153 GMT US West Texas Intermediate crude ticked up 82 cents, or 1.23%, to $67.39 a barrel.

At those levels, Brent was headed for a 1.6% gain on the week, while WTI was up around 0.6% from last week's close.

The IEA said on Friday the global oil market may be tighter than it appears, with demand supported by peak summer refinery runs to meet travel and power-generation, Reuters reported.

Front-month September Brent contracts were trading at a $1.11 premium to October futures at 1153 GMT.

"Civilians, be they in the air or on the road, are showing a healthy willingness to travel," PVM analyst John Evans said in a note on Friday.

Prompt tightness notwithstanding, the IEA boosted its forecast for supply growth this year, while trimming its outlook for growth in demand, implying a market in surplus.

"OPEC+ will quickly and significantly turn up the oil tap. There is a threat of significant oversupply. In the short term, however, oil prices remain supported," Commerzbank analysts said in a note.

Further adding support to the short-term outlook, Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak said on Friday that Russia will compensate for overproduction against its OPEC+ quota this year in August-September.

"Prices have recouped some of this decline after President Trump said he plans to make a 'major' statement on Russia on Monday. This could leave the market nervous over the potential for further sanctions on Russia," ING analysts wrote in a client note.

Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the lack of progress on peace with Ukraine and Russia's intensifying bombardment of Ukrainian cities.

The European Commission is set to propose a floating Russian oil price cap this week as part of a new draft sanctions package, but Russia said it has "good experience" of tackling and minimising such challenges.