Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s state-run energy giant, Saudi Aramco, has increased the official selling price of the Kingdom’s crude to Asian and US buyers.
Global oil prices reportedly saw a smaller weekly loss as a result. In particular, Aramco increased pricing for its key Arab Light grade of crude for Asian customers in December to $2.70, up from $1.40.
The world’s biggest oil producer set the Arab Light official selling price (OSP) to the United States at plus $1.75 per barrel over Argus Sour Crude Index, and to Northwestern Europe at a discount of 30 cents a barrel over ICE Brent.
Over 60% of Saudi crude is reportedly exported to Asia, with China, South Korea, Japan, and India the major buyers. Aramco’s official selling price commonly serves as a bellwether for oil markets, leading the pricing trend in the region.
Crude futures shaved their weekly losses, rising sharply late in the session Friday.
Brent crude rose $2.20 to settle at $82.74 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.46 to $81.27. This year, oil prices have seen a surge of 60%.
The step comes a day after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies led by Russia.—TLTP
