Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, is actively seeking new acquisition opportunities in the downstream and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors, according to a senior executive.
In an interview with Reuters, Yasser Mufti, Aramco’s Executive Vice President for Products and Customers, confirmed the company’s ongoing pursuit of deals to expand its international downstream presence, particularly in high-demand regions such as Asia. Despite recent collaborations with automotive groups to develop alternative fuels, Aramco remains committed to mergers and acquisitions in global refining and LNG, aiming to secure additional outlets for its crude and increase its footprint in the international LNG trading market.
“The downstream business is where we see M&A opportunities, and now LNG as well,” Mufti stated. “We have targets and markets, and we work with these opportunities as they arise,” he added.
Mufti also noted that Aramco does not plan to increase its recently acquired 10% stake in HORSE Powertrain Limited, a company established by Renault Group and Geely. Aramco’s investment in this venture, finalized in July, is expected to contribute to the development of competitive powertrains and synthetic fuel solutions.
Aramco’s strategic expansion has also seen it enter Pakistan’s downstream market. Last year, the company acquired a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd, one of the country’s largest retail and storage companies. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to invest in Pakistan, a key ally.
In early 2023, Aramco announced two significant refinery and petrochemical deals in China, which will provide the company with a share in the Chinese downstream market and an additional export outlet for 690,000 barrels per day of Saudi crude.
Additionally, Aramco has entered into discussions with Hengli Group Co., Ltd. regarding the potential acquisition of a 10% stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co. The company has also signed a non-binding agreement to purchase LNG from Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG project, with the potential to acquire a 25% stake in the project’s Phase 2.