RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s refinery crude exports surged 23 percent in September compared to the previous month, to reach 1.54 million barrels per day – the highest level for almost two years. According to figures from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative, the increase to a 23-month high was fueled by strong demand for refined products, including diesel, motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, and fuel oil. Diesel led the export mix, accounting for 47 percent of shipments, with volumes rising 35 percent month on month to 727,000 bpd. Motor and aviation gasoline made up 23 percent of exports, while fuel oil contributed 7 percent. Refinery output in Saudi Arabia remained steady at 2.76 million bpd, with diesel representing 44 percent of refined products, followed by motor and aviation gasoline at 25 percent, and fuel oil at 17 percent. Crude oil exports rose modestly by 1.41 percent to 5.75 million bpd, while production edged down by 0.19 percent to 8.97 million bpd. Despite the rise in exports, domestic petroleum demand dropped sharply by 267,000 bpd to 2.62 million bpd, possibly due to seasonal factors and improved efficiency. OPEC announced in November that eight key OPEC+ nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq, have agreed to extend voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million bpd through December. Initially introduced in 2023 to stabilize the oil market, the cuts reflect the group’s commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation, with plans to offset overproduction by September 2025. Iraq, along with Russia and Kazakhstan, reaffirmed adherence to the agreement and compensation schedules earlier this month. Direct crude usage Saudi Arabia’s direct crude oil burn dropped significantly in September, falling by 296,000 bpd compared to August to 518,000 bpd — a 36.4 percent decline and the lowest level in five months. This decline is largely attributed to seasonal temperature changes, as the weather begins to cool from the peak summer heat, reducing the demand for air conditioning and, consequently, the need for crude oil in power generation. Compared to September last year, the lower burn levels also reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and diversify its power sources. By expanding its natural gas network and scaling up renewable energy projects, the Kingdom is reducing its reliance on crude oil for electricity generation, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy for a sustainable and diversified energy mix.