Aramco launches first condensate exports from $100 billion Jafurah gas project

Saudi energy giant Saudi Aramco has officially begun exports from its landmark $100 billion Jafurah development, marking the first reported condensate sale from the massive unconventional gas project. The milestone signals a shift in the project’s trajectory, from large-scale construction and infrastructure buildout to active production and output.

The Jafurah field is Aramco’s first unconventional gas development, employing hydraulic fracturing techniques widely used in US shale operations. The project represents a major technological and strategic evolution for the Kingdom’s energy sector.

Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser has previously described Jafurah as the company’s “crown jewel,” highlighting its central role in boosting Saudi Arabia’s gas production capacity. The field is targeting full production capacity by 2030, positioning it as one of the world’s largest unconventional gas developments.

The initial shipment consists of condensate, a light liquid hydrocarbon commonly found in gas reservoirs. Condensate is valued for its versatility, often used as a petrochemical feedstock or blended into fuels. According to trading sources, the cargoes are destined for Asia, with loading expected later this month or in early March.

Jafurah plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand natural gas output, reduce domestic crude oil consumption for power generation, and free up more oil for export. The project also supports the Kingdom’s long-term economic transformation agenda, aimed at diversifying revenue streams and fostering new industries beyond traditional crude exports.

With first exports now underway, Jafurah is entering a critical new phase, one that could reshape the region’s energy balance and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s ambitions as a leading global supplier of both oil and gas.