With Saudi Arabia’s oil burn averaging nearly 820,000 b/d over the first two months of 2019, the kingdom still has considerable work left in its efforts to significantly curtail volumes. 2018 saw a rare fall in crude and fuel oil use in power generation, but early 2019 has seen volumes creep up again to record early-year highs (MEES, 19 April).

Electricity demand is now approaching the peak summer season placing more pressure on Saudi Aramco to supply feedstock: peak load typically begins to rise sharply in April. Overall, Saudi Arabia has succeeded in curbing peak load with the record remaining 2015’s 62.26 GW. (CONTINUED - 832 WORDS)