Saudi Arabia and the UAE both reduced crude inputs to refineries in November, according to the latest JODI monthly data. Saudi Arabia sent 1.81mn b/d of crude to refineries in November, compared with a record 2.17mn b/d in August. UAE throughputs fell to only 269,000 b/d in November, down more than 150,000 b/d from October and little over half of August’s 532,000 b/d.
With both countries expanding their refining capacity substantially at the moment – Saudi Aramco and joint venture partners Total and Sinopec respectively have brought online the 400,000 b/d Satorp and Yasref refineries, while UAE’s Takreer is testing units at its 417,000 b/d Ruwais expansion refinery – the declines in November processing rates may be attributable to temporary closure of units for hook-up and testing. (CONTINUED - 335 WORDS)
