Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, on Thursday announced major progress in its ambitious gas expansion strategy, with the start of production at Jafurah, the Middle East’s largest unconventional gas field, and the commencement of operations at Tanajib Gas Plant, one of the largest gas plants in the world.
This will contribute to Aramco’s plan to increase sales gas production capacity by approximately 80% by 2030, over 2021 production levels, reaching approximately 6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day of total gas and associated liquids production, the energy giant said.
This is expected to generate incremental operating cash flows of $12 billion to $15 billion in 2030, subject to future sales gas demand and liquids prices.
Amin H Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, said: “Jafurah and Tanajib significantly strengthen Aramco’s gas portfolio and expand our capacity at scale. These projects are a major step forward for our company and for the Kingdom’s energy future. Gas is central to our long-term growth strategy. It is expected to generate substantial earnings, meet rising domestic demand, support development across key sectors, and deliver significant volumes of high-value liquids. Together, these investments make Aramco stronger, more diversified and better positioned to deliver sustained value to our shareholders. We value the continued leadership and support of the Ministry of Energy in advancing these strategic projects.”
Jafurah shale gas
Gas from Jafurah is expected to support the Kingdom’s broader growth ambitions across key sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and major industries including petrochemicals, potentially providing a significant boost to the economy and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s top 10 gas producers.
Aramco started production of the first unconventional shale gas at Jafurah in December 2025, with technology playing a key role in unlocking Jafurah’s potential and establishing it as a global benchmark for unconventional gas development. Since its inception, the project has leveraged technology to help lower drilling and stimulation costs and boost well productivity, contributing to the project’s strong economic outlook.
Covering an area of 17,000 sq km, Jafurah is estimated to contain 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate. By 2030, it aims to deliver 2 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, 420 million standard cubic feet of ethane per day, and approximately 630,000 barrels of high-value liquids per day.
Tanajib Gas Plant
Tanajib Gas Plant is a key component of Aramco’s strategy to increase gas processing capabilities and diversify its energy product portfolio, helping to support long-term economic growth. Operations commenced in December 2025 and it is expected to reach a raw gas processing capacity of 2.6 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2026.
The commencement of operations at Tanajib coincided with the start of production at Aramco’s Marjan crude oil increment. The plant, which features digital integration, enhanced operational efficiency, complex project delivery, and maximum resource utilisation, processes associated raw gas from crude oil production at the offshore Marjan and Zuluf oil fields.
Unlocking opportunities
Aramco’s gas expansion is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, potentially generating substantial added value and reinforcing Aramco’s position as a reliable energy supplier.
In addition to helping meet rising demand for natural gas, and enhancing supplies to national industries, Aramco’s gas growth strategy supports efforts to achieve a more optimal energy mix for domestic electricity production. It also advances the Kingdom’s liquid fuel displacement program, complements the Kingdom’s 2060 net-zero ambition, reinforces energy security and contributes to building a diverse national economy. -TradeArabia News Service
