Saudi Aramco’s 22 February announcement of regulatory approval for development of the Jafurah unconventional gas basin in the Eastern Province will be welcomed by the kingdom’s petrochemicals producers, who are mainly located in the province’s Jubail downstream hub.

Aramco says Jafurah’s 200tcf gas reserves “will provide a valuable feedstock for the petrochemical industries.” Alongside 2.2bn cfd of sales gas, the liquids-rich development is expected to yield 425mn cfd of ethane and approximately 550,000 b/d of NGLs and condensate (MEES, 28 February). (CONTINUED - 729 WORDS)