Saudi Arabia Sets Price Cap on Gasoline Prices in July

The royal directive aims to support citizens by setting price cap (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The royal directive aims to support citizens by setting price cap (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia Sets Price Cap on Gasoline Prices in July

The royal directive aims to support citizens by setting price cap (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The royal directive aims to support citizens by setting price cap (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia set a ceiling on gasoline prices, the most widely used fuel to supply vehicles in the Kingdom.

The royal directive stipulates that the state should shoulder any increase over June pricing during the monthly periodical revision of the pricing.

The Executive Committee for Governance of Amending Energy and Water Products' Prices has announced the issuance of a royal directive, setting the prices in June 2021 for gasoline (Octane 91/SR2.18) and gasoline (Octane 95/SR2.33), noting they shall remain as the local ceiling price for gasoline, as of July 10, 2021.

The gasoline price for July 2021 that witnessed an increase (Octane 91/SR2.28) a liter and (Octane 95/SR2.44) a liter will fall under the approved pricing ceiling. However, the periodic revision of pricing shall remain, noting that it shall not exceed the ceiling, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

"This emanates from the keenness of the leadership on mitigating the burdens of the livelihood of citizens as well as residents, and its ongoing seeking to realize the public interest and to reinforce the local economic activity," according to the official statement.

Saudi Aramco, the largest oil exporter in the world, conducts a periodic monthly review of gasoline prices in the local market to reduce the consumer's vulnerability to fluctuations in export prices.

Saudis welcomed the royal directive, and many commented on social media that despite the dire economic conditions in the world, the Saudi leadership supported its citizens.

They asserted the country's leadership always considers the needs of its people and takes measures that can help mitigate any difficult economic conditions.

Also, on social media, Saudi citizens and residents discussed the directive quoting "gasoline price subsidy" on various sites, praising the state decision.

Saudi Arabia wants to develop the infrastructure for fuel supply services in the Kingdom, led by Aramco.

Aramco has succeeded in developing its service stations sector and enhanced its access to retail customers in Saudi Arabia, following its entry into a 50:50 joint venture with Total, based on operating service stations within the Kingdom.



Saudi PIF Invests in Workers' Housing to Meet Demands of Megaprojects

Housing complexes for workers affiliated with the Royal Commission in Yanbu (SPA)
Housing complexes for workers affiliated with the Royal Commission in Yanbu (SPA)
TT

Saudi PIF Invests in Workers' Housing to Meet Demands of Megaprojects

Housing complexes for workers affiliated with the Royal Commission in Yanbu (SPA)
Housing complexes for workers affiliated with the Royal Commission in Yanbu (SPA)

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced plans to invest in workers’ housing and develop more residential complexes for laborers involved in Saudi Arabia’s major construction and development projects. Experts say this move will increase the supply of housing solutions, especially in light of upcoming global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as well as the ongoing megaprojects in the Kingdom.
The PIF has launched the Smart Accommodation for Residential Complexes Co. (SARCC), a company focused on the development and operation of residential complexes for workers across key construction and development projects in the country. SARCC aims to meet the growing demand for worker housing solutions and provide services for both public and private projects nationwide.
Real estate experts believe this new company will help ease pressure on family housing by creating additional housing options for workers. This is expected to boost the overall supply of housing and, in turn, help reduce prices and contribute to the goal of increasing the homeownership rate for Saudi families to 70% by 2030.
Khaled Al-Mobid, CEO of Menassat Real Estate, highlighted that one of the biggest challenges for the Kingdom’s development is the rising demand for labor due to the ongoing megaprojects. He pointed out that these workers need suitable housing, but the market currently suffers from a shortage of available options, many of which are not suitable for workers.
Al-Mobid noted that the PIF’s decision to launch a real estate development company focused on worker housing is a timely and beneficial step that will address the issue of workers living in inadequate areas.
Ahmed Omar Basodan, another expert in real estate, said that establishing SARCC aligns with the scale of the ongoing megaprojects and upcoming global events like Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will require a massive workforce. Basodan emphasized that the new company will help move workers out of family housing and into specialized residential complexes, increasing the supply of housing and supporting the goal of 70% homeownership by 2030.
He further noted that the PIF has already launched companies in the real estate sector, such as Roshn Group, Saudi Downtown Company, and New Murabba Development Company, recognizing the significant opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s real estate market.
According to the PIF’s statement, SARCC will play a key role in developing the housing sector by investing in and managing worker housing complexes. It will also enhance housing standards for workers by developing and operating projects that meet international standards set by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation, which is part of the World Bank.