Middle Eastern Oil Firms Prepare for Chinese Rebound, Sign Major Investment Deals

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OPEC and the Saudi state oil giant Aramco have indicated that oil consumption in China may experience a rebound, sparking optimism for the global economy and oil demand growth in 2023. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is closely monitoring the situation as it prepares for potential opportunities in the recovering Chinese market.

OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) published in January reveals a more positive outlook for the global economy and oil demand. The organization maintained its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2023 at 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd). Notably, the report emphasized the strong growth observed in major economies during the fourth quarter of 2022, especially in the Eurozone and the United States.

China, the world’s largest crude oil importer and a significant customer of MENA’s oil-producing heavyweights, is anticipated to drive the rebound in oil demand after easing COVID-19 restrictions. OPEC predicts that China’s GDP will grow by 4.8 percent in 2023, supported by efforts to reopen the economy and stimulate the property sector. The manufacturing, construction, and petrochemical sectors are expected to contribute significantly to increased oil demand in China.

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais expressed cautious optimism about the economic and oil demand recovery in an interview with Bloomberg. Al-Ghais highlighted the signs of progress as China eases COVID measures, indicating a potential pickup in the Chinese economy in the coming months. Saudi Aramco’s CEO, Amin Nasser, echoed this sentiment, stating that a rebound in global oil demand is expected as the Chinese economy regains momentum.

In addition to anticipating increased oil demand, Middle Eastern oil firms have been actively pursuing investment opportunities. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has recently signed significant deals, including acquiring a 24.9-percent shareholding in Austria-based OMV AG from Mubadala Investment Company. ADNOC has also allocated $15 billion for low-carbon projects, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable growth and a net-zero future.

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) awarded a large contract to Technip Energies for project management consultancy, covering front-end engineering design and project management services for KOC’s major projects. QatarEnergy announced a Final Investment Decision (FID) with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company to build a $6 billion integrated olefins and polyethylene facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City.

These investments underscore the MENA region’s commitment to diversify its energy portfolio and explore low-carbon solutions while capitalizing on the potential rebound in oil demand, particularly from China. The partnerships and ventures aim to position the region for sustained growth and contribute to the global energy transition.

As the global economy recovers and China’s reopening gains momentum, OPEC and Middle Eastern oil giants are cautiously optimistic about the future. The MENA region stands ready to leverage these opportunities and navigate the evolving energy landscape, combining their traditional strengths with investments in sustainable and innovative solutions.