His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, stated that on Saturday, 15 Muharram 1441 AH/ September 14, 2019, at 3:31 and 3:42 am, several explosions occurred as a result of terrorist attacks in Saudi Aramco factories in Khurais and Abqaiq, with the fires have been brought under control.
His Highness indicated that this terrorist act resulted in the temporary halting of production operations at Abqaiq and Khurais factories. According to preliminary estimates, these explosions stopped an amount of crude oil supplies estimated at (5.7) million barrels, or about 50% of the company's production, but part of the decline will be offset to its customers from the stocks.
His Highness the Minister explained that these explosions have also led to the cessation of the production of associated gas estimated at (2) billion cubic feet per day, used to produce 700 thousand barrels of natural gas liquids, which will lead to a reduction in the supply of ethane and natural gas liquids by up to about (50%).
As for local supplies, His Highness affirmed that this attack did not result in any impact on the electricity and water supply of fuel, or on the local market of fuel supplies, and it has not resulted in any injuries among workers at these sites so far, stressing that the company is still evaluating the results.
His Highness also indicated that the company is currently working to retrieve the missing quantities, expecting updated data within the next 48 hours.
His Highness the Minister of Energy indicated that this terrorist and sabotage attack is an extension of the recent attacks that targeted petroleum and civilian facilities, pumping stations and oil tankers in the Arabian Gulf.
His Highness affirmed that these attacks do not only target vital installations of the Kingdom, but rather target the global oil supply and threaten its security, and thus it represents a threat to the global economy, highlighting the importance of the international community role in preserving energy supplies against all terrorist actors that carry out such cowardly sabotage acts, supports and finances it.
