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Saudi Arabia Introduces Self-Service Gas Sales, Involving Private Sector

Self-service vending machine (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Self-service vending machine (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Introduces Self-Service Gas Sales, Involving Private Sector

Self-service vending machine (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Self-service vending machine (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced that it has issued the first license in the Kingdom for selling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG-cooking gas) cylinders through vending machines.

Last May, the Saudi Cabinet approved amendments to the system governing the distribution of natural gas and LPG for residential and commercial purposes.

Vending machines for LPG cylinders will be available at gas stations and large retail markets. The machines will provide consumers with all LPG-related services around the clock, and these include purchasing new gas cylinders, replacing empty cylinders with new ones, and purchasing cylinder accessories such as regulators and others.

These machines are designed to be linked with smart phone applications, to serve consumers in a better and easier way. This is part of the ministry’s efforts to realize the goals of its dry gas and LPG distribution system for residential and commercial purposes.

According to the ministry, the move to license smart pick-up stations for gas cylinders comes as an important part of the ministry’s endeavors towards opening up competition and abolishing monopoly in the LPG sales sector. It also coincides with the ministry’s endeavor to encourage investment in LPG sales activities.

The ministry started receiving qualification requests from companies that wish to invest in the activities of transporting LPG from its sources to filling and storage facilities, as well as in the establishment and operation of filling stations and storage facilities, in addition to the wholesale distribution of LPG.

This is aimed to enhance the role of the Ministry of Energy in supporting opportunities for growth and economic development in the Kingdom in pursuit of the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

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Putin, Al-Sudani Discuss OPEC+ Coordination on Oil Price Stability

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin
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Putin, Al-Sudani Discuss OPEC+ Coordination on Oil Price Stability

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday discussed the importance of coordination between OPEC and OPEC+ members on oil price stability in a manner that guarantees fair prices for exporters and consumers.

Putin held a phone call with al-Sudani during which they discussed the OPEC+ oil agreement and the situation in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.

The telephone conversation came days prior to an OPEC+ key meeting expected early next month.

Reuters said that OPEC+ may push back output increases again when it meets on Dec. 1 due to weak global oil demand, according to three OPEC+ sources familiar with the discussions. Ministers last shelved the increase for a month when they met virtually on Nov. 3.

In a statement, the Kremlin on Thursday said Putin and Al-Sudani touched upon various aspects of coordination as part of OPEC+, a format that helps maintain stability in the global oil market, and reaffirmed the importance of continuing to coordinate steps in this format.

The Middle East issues were also mentioned in light of the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the region, it added.

The parties also agreed on further contacts at various levels, the statement said.

Later, Al-Sudani’s office said the phone call touched on energy-related matters, highlighting the importance of coordination among all concerned countries within OPEC and the OPEC+ group to stabilize oil and gas prices, ensuring fair pricing for both producers and consumers.