Oil Updates – crude nudges up after Russia-Ukraine tensions escalate
Updated 18 November 2024
Reuters
SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged up on Monday after fighting between Russia and Ukraine intensified over the weekend, although concerns about fuel demand in China, the world’s second-largest consumer, and forecasts of a global oil surplus weighed on markets.
Brent crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $71.33 a barrel by 8:02 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $67.20 a barrel, up 18 cents, or 0.3 percent.
Russia unleashed its largest air strike on Ukraine in almost three months on Sunday, causing severe damage to Ukraine’s power system.
In a significant reversal of Washington’s policy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Joe Biden’s administration has allowed Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike deep into Russia, two US officials and a source familiar with the decision said on Sunday.
There was no immediate response from the Kremlin, which has warned that it would see a move to loosen the limits on Ukraine’s use of US weapons as a major escalation.
“Biden allowing Ukraine to strike Russian forces around Kursk with long-range missiles might see a geopolitical bid come back into oil as it is an escalation of tensions there, in response to North Korean troops entering the fray,” IG markets analyst Tony Sycamore said.
Saul Kavonic, an energy analyst at MST Marquee, said: “So far there has been little impact on Russian oil exports, but if Ukraine were to target more oil infrastructure that could see oil markets elevate further.”
In Russia, at least three refineries have had to halt processing or cut runs due to heavy losses amid export curbs, rising crude prices and high borrowing costs, according to five industry sources.
Brent and WTI slid more than 3 percent last week on weak data from China and after the International Energy Agency forecasted that global oil supply will exceed demand by more than 1 million barrels per day in 2025 even if cuts remain in place from OPEC+.
China’s refinery throughput fell 4.6 percent in October from last year and as the country’s factory output growth slowed last month, government data showed on Friday.
Investors also fretted over the pace and extent of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve that has created uncertainty in global financial markets.
In the US, the number of operating oil rigs fell by one to 478 last week, the lowest since the week to July 19, Baker Hughes data showed.
COP16: Saudi Arabia closes UN conference with bold commitments on global environmental sustainability
Updated 6 sec ago
MIGUEL HADCHITY
RIYADH: COP16 witnessed unprecedented financial pledges totaling over $12 billion for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives, with Saudi Arabia leading from the front.
Held in Riyadh from December 2-13 under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” COP16 brought together over 196 countries and numerous international organizations, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against environmental challenges that threaten billions of people worldwide.
Funding pledges seen at the event included £10 billion from the Arab Coordination Group to finance global projects combating land degradation, desertification, and drought.
Additional contributions included $1 billion each from the OPEC Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, and $150 million from Saudi Arabia.
A legacy of action and collaboration
Saudi Minister of Environment and COP16 President Abdulrahman Al-Fadhley opened the conference with a call for intensified international collaboration to combat desertification, particularly in regions most affected by climate change.
“The Middle East, among the regions most impacted by these challenges, stands ready to lead through collaboration and innovation,” Al-Fadhley stated.
He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s green agenda.
This vision aims to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, increase national reserves by 30 percent, and achieve a renewable energy mix of 50 percent by 2030.
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021, has already led to the planting of 95 million trees and the restoration of 111,000 hectares of land.
Outgoing COP15 President Alain-Richard Donwahi of Côte d’Ivoire handed over leadership with a message of urgency, while UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw underscored that nearly 40 percent of the Earth’s land is degraded, impacting over 3 billion people.
He warned that failing to address land degradation could lead to intensified food insecurity, conflict, and forced migration.
Saudi Minister of Environment and COP16 President Abdulrahman Al-Fadhley. Screenshot
The Riyadh Policy Declaration
A major outcome of COP16 was the adoption of the Riyadh Policy Declaration, a document drafted by the newly formed Friends of the Chair group.
This declaration provides a comprehensive framework for global land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable land management. The initiative showcases Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and achieving tangible results in the fight against desertification.
The Kingdom’s Deputy Minister for Environment, Osama Faqeeha, highlighted the significance of this collaborative effort, saying: “The Friends of the Chair group ensures that the outcomes of COP16 are not just promises but actionable steps toward global sustainability”.
Faqeeha also underscored the urgent need for private sector investment to bridge the estimated $355 billion annual funding gap for global land restoration.
“The restoration economy has the potential to unlock trillions in economic benefits, but it requires the commitment of all sectors,” Faqeeha stated.
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih announced three major renewable energy projects developed in collaboration with French firms, emphasizing the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global green finance market.
“The future of finance is green, and Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as the global hub for sustainable investments,” Al-Falih said.
Innovative projects and sustainability initiatives
Saudi Arabia highlighted several transformative projects aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.
The National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy is a flagship initiative to protect 30 percent of the Red Sea’s marine and coastal ecosystems by 2030. This strategy is expected to contribute SR33 billion ($8.78 billion) annually to the economy and create 120,000 jobs.
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasized the project’s commitment to regenerative tourism and renewable energy. “We are planting 50 million mangrove trees and expanding coral reef protection, aligning with our vision of sustainable development,” Pagano said.
In a landmark announcement, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology launched the International Water Research Center to address global water scarcity and pollution challenges.
The center will develop innovative water solutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Saudi climate envoy Adel Al-Jubeir highlighted the link between land degradation and forced migration, noting that 100 million hectares of land are lost annually, exacerbating displacement and security crises.
“When people cannot grow food, they migrate, leading to tension and conflict,” Al-Jubeir warned. The UNCCD’s Thiaw echoed these concerns, emphasizing that land restoration is crucial for global stability and security.
Thematic days and key dialogues
COP16 featured several thematic days addressing critical issues like sustainable agri-food systems, drought resilience, and rangeland protection.
Agri-Food System Day coincided with World Soil Day, highlighting that unsustainable farming practices could lead to a 10 percent decline in global crop yields by 2050.
Faqeeha called for redirecting harmful agricultural subsidies toward sustainable practices to prevent further degradation.
Youth and technology were at the forefront of COP16 discussions. Saudi Arabia’s thriving startup ecosystem, supported by initiatives like The Garage and Vision 2030, showcased how entrepreneurship can drive sustainability.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, CEO of KBW Ventures, highlighted the synergy between venture capital and sustainable development, while Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt emphasized the role of responsible mining in enabling the global energy transition.
Global collaboration and regional leadership
The conference featured high-profile attendees, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who called for scaled-up restoration efforts and stronger international cooperation.
Mayor of Riyadh Faisal bin Abdul Aziz bin Ayyaf underscored Riyadh’s ambition to serve as a model for sustainable urban development.
Hungary’s representative praised COP16 for addressing gender equality, acknowledging the essential role of women in combating desertification.
Discussions also highlighted the need for international cooperation to address shared challenges, such as sand and dust storms, drought, and land degradation.
A path forward
Saudi Arabia’s successful hosting of COP16 demonstrated its commitment to shaping global environmental policies and fostering innovation.
As attention turns to COP17 in Mongolia, the momentum generated in Riyadh is expected to drive sustained action toward land restoration, drought resilience, and a greener future for all.
Oil Updates – crude stabilizes on course for first weekly gain in 3
Updated 13 December 2024
Reuters
SINGAPORE: Oil prices stabilized on Friday, heading for their first weekly rise since the end of November, as additional sanctions on Iran and Russia ratcheted up supply worries, while a surplus outlook weighed on markets.
Brent crude futures edged up 7 cents to $73.48 a barrel by 7:34 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $70.11 a barrel, up 9 cents.
Both contracts are on track for a weekly gain of more than 3 percent as concerns about supply disruption from tighter sanctions on Russia and Iran, and hopes that Chinese stimulus measures could lift demand in the world’s No. 2 oil consumer support prices.
Recent stabilizations came after oil defended a key technical level of $71, said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG.
“But there has not been much conviction to prompt a stronger price recovery just yet,” he added.
Chinese data this week showed crude imports grew annually for the first time in seven months in November, driven by lower prices and stockpiling.
“We have seen a bit of a recovery in refinery margins since the September lows, but don’t think it’s anything to justify the November crude import volumes,” said Warren Patterson, ING’s head of commodities research.
Crude imports by the world’s largest importer are set to stay elevated into early 2025 as refiners opt to lift more supply from top exporter Saudi Arabia, drawn by lower prices, while independent refiners rush to use their quota.
The International Energy Agency increased its forecast for 2025 global oil demand growth to 1.1 million barrels per day from 990,000 bpd last month, thanks to China’s recent stimulus measures, it said in its monthly oil market report.
However, it forecast a surplus for next year, when non-OPEC+ nations are set to boost supply by about 1.5 million barrels per day, driven by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and the US.
“I guess with an outlook for a fairly comfortable balance (there is) little reason (for prices) to break out of this range for now,” ING’s Patterson.
Three of Canada’s biggest oil producers forecast higher output in 2025. Building on record US production, Goldman Sachs expects Lower 48 shale oil production to grow by 600,000 bpd in 2025, although growth could slow if Brent falls below $70 a barrel.
Investors are also betting that the Fed will cut borrowing costs next week and follow up next year with further reductions, after economic data showed weekly claims for unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose.
Statement says move underscores commitment to impactful global investments
Updated 12 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH/LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced on Thursday it had finalized the acquisition of a 15 percent stake in FGP TopCo, the holding company of Heathrow Airport Holdings.
The stake was purchased from Ferrovial SE and other shareholders of FGP TopCo.
Simultaneously, Ardian, a private investment firm, acquired a 22.6 percent stake in FGP TopCo through a separate transaction.
A PIF statement said the strategic investment underscored its commitment to impactful global investments that bolstered key sectors, and its broader strategy of supporting sustainable and long-term growth in major international markets.
Turqi Al-Nowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments at PIF, said the fund was pleased to be investing in Heathrow, calling it a “vital UK asset and a world-class airport.”
He added: “We believe in the importance of infrastructure as a key sector in supporting the transition to net zero.
“Heathrow acts as a crucial gateway to the world, and we look forward to supporting Heathrow’s management in its efforts to secure the sustainable growth of the airport and to continue to maintain its position as a global aviation hub.”
NEOM partners with GMT Robotics to revolutionize construction
Updated 12 December 2024
Reem Walid
RIYADH: NEOM has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s leading innovators in advanced construction technology, to accelerate the delivery of its capital projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The deal, spearheaded by the NEOM Investment Fund, seeks to integrate robotics in construction. This collaboration highlights NEOM’s role as a trailblazer in modern construction techniques, including automation and robotics.
GMT Robotics, based in Copenhagen, specializes in robotic systems designed for the rebar market. Its robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems significantly improve both productivity and safety in construction.
By reducing onsite workforce requirements by up to 90 percent through offsite prefabrication, GMT Robotics enhances efficiency while maintaining high safety standards.
Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, commented: “Our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to advancing transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. By localizing these cutting-edge technologies, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development, creating high-skilled jobs, and fostering the growth of commercially viable sectors. Partnerships like this are critical to turning NEOM’s visionary goals into reality, solidifying its position as a global innovation hub.”
As part of the agreement, the technology will be localized within NEOM, with rebar cages to be produced in local factories. This initiative also opens up new opportunities for Saudi engineers to apply robotics to other areas of construction.
Bandar Ashrour, sector head of design and construction at NEOM, added: “Aligning construction technology startups with NEOM’s ambitious goals is essential to our strategy. GMT’s expertise in robotics offers unprecedented efficiency, consistency, and sustainability in construction. We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that will contribute to safer, more sustainable infrastructure and enhance the next generation of NEOM-built assets.”
This partnership is yet another milestone in NIF’s strategic investment efforts, which focus on supporting NEOM’s sector strategies by fostering innovative technologies, establishing new businesses, and creating jobs to drive economic growth in the region.
The global market for construction robotics, valued at $168.2 million in 2022, is projected to grow over 360 percent to reach $774.6 million by 2032.
‘Uplifting’ Gulf development model will return to US, Eric Trump predicts
Security and stability make Saudi Arabia a safe bet
‘Sky’s the limit’ in GCC, says Trump
Updated 12 December 2024
Marco Ferrari
RIYADH: The mindset in the Gulf region that fosters the development of iconic projects is “uplifting” and will make its way back to the US under Donald Trump’s next presidency, Eric Trump told Arab News on Thursday.
The president-elect’s second son, who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, praised the region for its innovative approach, which he believes defies common misconceptions held by Western nations.
During a visit to the Saudi capital following an official launch event in Jeddah for a new Trump Tower, Eric Trump suggested that the Gulf’s no-limits mentality is something that the incoming US president will adopt.
“It’s a different mindset in the Gulf, and that mindset is going to return to America, believe me, in the next four years under my father. But that mindset really, it’s uplifting. It’s almost empowering. It makes you want to come over here and do something really great. And it kind of makes you want to say no to those other countries where it’s just impossible to navigate the political system. They’re just too cumbersome. They’re too lethargic.”
Trump went on to explain that Gulf countries actively encourage developers to realize their grand visions, offering not just permits but also support for larger, more ambitious projects.
“They tell you, ‘not only are we going to give you the permits, but we actually want you to make your project bigger. We want you to make it even more iconic. We want you to make it more luxurious. We want you to attract the greatest restaurants and the greatest amenities. Sky’s the limit.’ And that's a beautiful thing for a developer,” he said.
He also revealed that the Trump Organization is planning additional projects in Riyadh, though he did not disclose further details.
The Trump Organization has lent its branding to several properties across the Gulf region, including a hotel and golf club in Oman, a golf club and tower in Dubai, and most recently, the Jeddah hotel. Trump Tower Jeddah is being developed in partnership with Saudi developer Dar Global, with the two companies having previously collaborated on projects in Oman and Dubai.
Praising Saudi Arabia’s safety and political stability, Trump said: “Obviously, the people in this country love us, love our company, love our brand, love what we stand for. We have so much unbelievable support in this amazing country.”
Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar speaks to Arab News during an interview on Thursday. AN photo
Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, told Arab News that the Trump brand is synonymous with success. “The Trump name is a global brand that people attach to it always a very big sense of success,” he said.
“You can see the projects of Trump; they always feature the best material, the best design, and are really created for a great living experience and customer experience.”
Eric Trump’s visit to the Kingdom came after attending a cryptocurrency conference in Abu Dhabi earlier in the week.
The Trump family has ties to a new cryptocurrency called World Liberty Financial, and Donald Trump has pledged to launch a strategic national crypto stockpile during his second term.
Bitcoin’s value surged following Trump's election win in November, and this week it surpassed the $100,000 mark for the first time.
