A group led by BlackRock Inc. has agreed to invest $15.5 billion in Saudi Arabian Oil Co.’s natural gas pipelines as the world’s largest crude exporter looks to fund a massive increase in production capacity.
In what is one of the world’s largest energy infrastructure deals, the group will buy a 49 percent stake in Aramco Gas Pipelines Co., a newly formed entity that holds 20-year leasing rights for Aramco’s network of pipelines that ship gas across the country, the oil producer said in an emailed statement. Saudi Arabia’s Hassana Investment Co. will co-lead the consortium of investors alongside BlackRock Real Assets.
Aramco President and CEO, Amin H. Nasser, said: “With gas expected to play a key role in the global transition to a more sustainable energy future, our partners will benefit from a deal tied to a world-class gas infrastructure asset.”
The deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s drive to open up to more foreign investment and use the proceeds to diversify its economy while also increasing output of both oil and gas. Aramco sold a $12.4bn stake in a similarly structured deal related to its oil pipelines to a consortium including EIG in April.
The OPEC kingpin is also considering allowing foreign investment in its unconventional gas fields as it looks to fund a $100bn plan to help the kingdom become one of the world’s largest producers of the fuel, people familiar with the plan told Bloomberg in September. Aramco is already spending billions of dollars to raise its daily crude capacity to 13 million barrels by 2027, from 12 million currently.
Aramco Gas will receive a tariff from Aramco for the gas products that will flow through its network, backed by minimum shipment commitments. Aramco will retain a 51 percent majority stake.
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