Aramco to nearly double natural gas production in decade

Saudi Aramco plans to nearly double its natural gas production to 23 standard bcfd in 10 years, Aramco Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser told an industry conference in Jubail on Mar. 8.

Having already increased its gas output to more than 12 bcfd from 3.5 billion bcfd during the early 1980s, Aramco has set a production goal for the coming decade.

“Work is under way to execute an ambitious plan to implement this,” Nasser said, stopping short of elaborating on details. He did say Aramco is exploring and developing unconventional gas.

The company is working to boost gas output for electricity and petrochemical production by developing gas fields not associated with oil production.

He also said Aramco plans to boost its refining capacity to 8-10 million b/d from its current capacity of 5.4 million b/d.