Saudi Aramco Raises Asia Official Selling Price

View of the production facility at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield (File Photo: Reuters)
View of the production facility at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield (File Photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Aramco Raises Asia Official Selling Price

View of the production facility at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield (File Photo: Reuters)
View of the production facility at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield (File Photo: Reuters)

Saudi Aramco raised its May official selling price (OSP) to Asia for its flagship Arab Light crude to $9.35 a barrel above Oman/Dubai crude, its highest premium ever.

Oil jumped more than 3 percent on Monday to $108 a barrel as the release of strategic reserves by consuming nations failed to address supply concerns arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the failure of an Iran nuclear deal.

The invasion in February severely heightened supply concerns that were already supporting prices.

Sanctions against Russia and shunning buyers of Russian oil have already reduced production and raised fears of even more significant losses.

"Will liberating barrels from the strategic reserves fill the shortage caused by sanctions and buyer alienation from Russian oil? In short, no," said Stephen Brennock of BVM oil brokerage.

Brent crude rose $3.19, or 3.1 percent, to $107.58 a barrel. US West, Texas Intermediate crude rose $3.46, or 3.5 percent, to $102.73. Both contracts were down more than $1 earlier in the session.

Crude oil fell about 13 percent last week after US President Joe Biden announced a record release of US oil reserves, as members of the International Energy Agency pledged more wiretapping of the reserves.

The price of crude oil reached $139 last month, the highest level since 2008.

Oil also got a boost from stalled talks in Vienna to revive the Iran nuclear deal, which would allow sanctions on Iranian oil to be lifted.

On Monday, Iran blamed the United States for the ceasefire.

The downward pressure came from the armistice in Yemen, which may mitigate supply threats in the Middle East.

For the first time in the seven-year conflict, the United Nations-brokered a two-month truce between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi movement. The Houthis attacked Saudi oil facilities during the fighting.



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.