Arab News, Sunday, Mar 7, 2021 | Rajab 23, 1442
Aramco in unique position to ‘surge’ capacity to meet oil demand recovery
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco is uniquely positioned to respond
to a surge in global oil demand according to a report from Bank of America
Merrill Lynch.
“At maximum sustainable capacity of 12 million barrels per day (bpd) and proven
ability to produce even more, Aramco is one of the few companies globally that
can substantially boost output without committing additional capex,” the bank
said on Sunday. “We believe that Aramco is uniquely positioned in the global oil
world to meet potential resurgence of oil demand.
After the collapse of oil prices in 2020 linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
market has staged a strong recovery so far this year with a number of banks
raising their price estimates for the full year.
Oil prices jumped about 3 percent on Friday, to reach their highest in more than
a year after OPEC and its allies decided not to increase supply in April.
Brent crude was up by about 4 percent over the week while WTI oil gained 7
percent.
The rapidly improving outlook for the sector has also sweetened the dividend out
look for the company if the oil price remains within the $60 to $75 per barrel
range, the bank said.
“Our scenario analysis suggests that Aramco would be well placed to implement
its higher dividend distribution guidance given during the IPO and even increase
dividends beyond its minimum $75 billion pledge,” Bank of Amerrca Merrill Lynch
said.
The collapse of global oil demand over the last year has meant that the global
onshore and offshore rig count has dropped to one of the lowest levels ever in
the past few months.
With Aramco holding the lion’s share of spare capacity, it is poised to
capitalize on a an oil price rebound.
“Given the capex dearth, oil market deficit, and forecast demand resurgence,
Aramco remains one of the very few oil companies globally with the ability to
surge production substantially without committing additional capex,” the bank
said.