Khalid al-Falih Expects Oil Stocks to Fall by End of First Quarter

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Saudi Arabia’s energy minister. Khalid al-Falih. said he expects global oil stocks to fall by the end of the first quarter but added that the market remained vulnerable to political and economic factors as well as speculation.

“We remain focused on fundamentals. I can tell you we will achieve balance between supply and demand in 2019.“ he told reporters.

Oil stabilized on Wednesday after one of its biggest falls in years. but remained under pressure from oversupply and concern that a slowing global economy would depress demand for fuel.

Falih added that OPEC and non-OPEC members. including Russia. are committed to reducing stocks under the agreement reached in Vienna on Dec. 7. Supplies have already started to fall in the last few weeks. he said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producers agreed this month to curb production by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd). equivalent to more than 1 percent of global demand. in an attempt to drain tanks and boost prices.

The U.S.-China trade war would not have an impact on Saudi Arabia’s relationship with China. Falih added.

Speaking at a post-budget panel earlier. he said oil giant Aramco will double its production and availability of gas over the next 10 years.

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On renewable energy projects. Falih said Saudi Arabia has is implementing an agreement with SoftBank Group’s Vision Fund to provide 200 gigawatts of solar power in the kingdom.

The country’s Public Investment Fund agreed to invest $45 billion in the giant tech fund led by SoftBank and the pair are working with other parties on a number of solar projects.

Saudi Arabia is embarking on a drive to transform its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. It views solar power as a way to cut the amount of crude it uses to generate power at home and raise its overseas shipments.

The government also wants to privatize Saudi Electricity as part of wider reforms to its energy sector.