Saudi Aramco Discovers New Natural Gas Fields in the Empty Quarter

Saudi Aramco, the state news agency reported, has announced the discovery of two new natural gas fields in the Empty Quarter region. According to Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Al-Hiran gas field’s discovery was confirmed after gas flowed at a rate of 30 million standard cubic feet per day, and 1,600 barrels of condensate daily. Similarly, the Al-Mahakik gas field was also confirmed after gas flowed from it at a rate of 0.85 million standard cubic feet, the agency said.

The agency also reported that natural gas was discovered in five reservoirs in previously discovered fields, as per the minister. Furthermore, other discoveries were announced in fields in the Eastern Province.

Aramco, primarily an oil producer, aims to increase its gas production by 50% by 2030 from 2021 levels. In line with this, the company had announced in late September that it agreed to acquire a strategic minority stake in liquefied natural gas (LNG) company MidOcean Energy for $500 million, with an option to increase the stake, as part of its push into natural gas.

Last month, Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser indicated that the company was also looking at more investments in LNG to bolster its plans to become a leading player in the seaborne gas market. These developments mark a significant shift for one of the world’s leading oil producers towards a greater focus on natural gas.