Saudi Energy Policies Unlikely to Shift Under New Minister

by Sara Vakhshouri

Saudi Arabia’s energy policies are unlikely to change despite the fact that longtime energy minister, Ali al-Naimi, was removed on May 7 and Khalid al-Falih appointed as his successor.

There has already been much speculation and concern about the kingdom’s energy policies under King Salman. Questions about the future of Saudi Arabia’s oil policies are important given the prevailing period of glut and low oil prices. A few facts, however, should be considered.

An expected change: The appointment of energy ministers has traditionally coincided with dynastic shifts in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has had five oil ministers since 1960. Abdullah Tariki served from 1960 to 1962. King Faisal appointed Ahmed Zaki Yamani as his successor. Yamani served from 1962 to 1986. King Fahad appointed Hisham Nazer to succeed Yamani. Nazer served from 1986 to 1995. And King Abdullah appointed al-Naimi energy minister in 1995.

Al-Naimi’s removal, therefore, should come as no surprise. It should also be seen in the context of the “shake up” of the kingdom’s broader energy and economic policies being planned by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Al-Naimi, who is in his eighties, has on several occasions indicated his desire to retire. Al-Falih, who is also President and Chief Executive of Saudi Aramco, was a natural choice to replace al-Naimi considering that he is from the same team that al-Naimi previously led.

Traditional trend: Saudi Arabia has traditionally appointed a person with technical expertise as energy minister and as head of Saudi Aramco rather than choosing a member of the royal family. In this sense, too, al-Falih fit the bill. With a technical petroleum background and education, he has more than three decades of experience working in the energy industry and Saudi Aramco.

Saudi energy policy

Al-Falih was part of al-Naimi’s team and will likely continue the same policies. As explained in a previous article, I do not expect the kingdom to cut its oil production in time for the June meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Saudi Arabia is determined to protect its market share and will not give this up to its rivals—either Iran or Russia, or to US shale oil. Even though al-Naimi designed and implemented a strategy of low oil prices and maximizing the kingdom’s market share, it seems that the new leadership is more keen than ever on continuing this policy. The deputy crown prince, in particular, is serious about maintaining current production levels and continuing a policy based on the belief that markets, not OPEC members, determine prices.

In April, at the Doha summit that aimed to freeze oil production, some disagreements between the Saudi deputy crown prince and al-Naimi over the kingdom’s oil production policy were revealed. Saudi Arabia’s decision, which was influenced by the deputy crown prince’s views, was that the kingdom would not freeze oil production until Iran formally commits to do the same. It is then safe to say that the new energy minister will continue the kingdom’s oil production policies, albeit with a more cautious and conservative approach.

Photo: Khalid al-Falih

Reprinted, with permission, from the Atlantic Council blog.

Sara Vakhshouri

Dr. Sara Vakhshouri is president of SVB Energy International, a Washington-based strategic energy consulting firm that provides critical advice on the global energy market to private companies, governments, think tanks, investment banks, and media organizations. An internationally recognized expert on the energy market and security, Dr. Vakhshouri has more than a decade of experience in global energy market studies, energy security and geopolitical risk. Dr. Vakhshouri has a PhD in energy security and Middle Eastern studies, an MA in business management (international marketing), and another MA in international relations. She has published articles in numerous journals including The Economist, Middle East Economic Survey, and Oil and Gas Journal. She is frequently quoted and has appeared on Bloomberg, BBC, Financial Times, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Energy Intelligence, Platts Energy TV and Voice of America on energy matters. She is the author of The Marketing and Sale of Iranian Export Crude Oil since the Islamic Revolution.

SHOW 1 COMMENTS

One Comment

  1. Donkey following another donkey. They do not seem to understand that although the price of oil is determined by the market, it is ALSO determined by the SUPPLY. If they do not curtail the supply the price will remain low and probably go lower if the demand does not pick up. Perhaps the camel drivers should first go to school and learn economics before they are appointed as “crown” and “crown princess” shit stuff.

Comments are closed.