Aramco CEO Amin Nasser
Saudi Aramco pins its hopes on petchems
The NOC heavyweight wants to the biggest of beasts in the petrochemicals world too
Aramco’s ambition is “to be the world’s preeminent integrated energy and chemicals company”, the Saudi state-owned oil firm said in mid-July. Its completion of a $69.1bn takeover of petchems-focussed counterpart Sabic in June was a huge step towards realising that goal. It can now boast of being the fourth-largest chemicals firm in the world, as well as its premier oil company. And while internal governmental financial calculations were a motivator in transferring a chunk of Aramco cash to Sabic’s former owner, the rapidly expanding Public Investment Fund, Saudi’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also seen a strategic fit in putting the two firms together since taking the
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
