Saudi Arabia’s announcement of two new oil and gas field discoveries on 30 August marked an intriguing shift in the kingdom. Neither was of a notable size, especially in comparison with Saudi Arabia’s producing fields. Similar-sized discoveries have typically only been announced in Saudi Aramco’s annual reports, if at all.

This time, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman released a statement to the SPA state news agency announcing the discoveries, both in northwestern Saudi Arabia close to the Jordanian and Iraqi borders. (CONTINUED - 559 WORDS)