Aramco has started production at its massive Jafurah shale gas field and aims to boost Saudi gas capacity by 80% by 2030, potentially opening new opportunities for international field service companies.
The state oil giant confirmed first shale gas production from Jafurah began in December 2024, according to company reports. The field spans 17,000 square kilometres and contains an estimated 229 trillion cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate and liquids. By 2030, Jafurah is expected to produce up to 2 billion cubic feet per day of sales gas and 630,000 barrels per day of high-value liquids.
Aramco also commissioned the Tanajib Gas Plant in December 2024, which will reach 2.6 billion cubic feet per day of raw gas processing capacity in 2026. The facility processes associated gas from offshore Marjan and Zuluf fields.
The company projects total gas and associated liquids production will reach roughly 6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day under its expansion plan. Aramco estimates the incremental gas volumes could generate between $12 billion and $15 billion in additional operating cash flow by 2030.
What It Means for Subcontractors
This massive gas expansion represents one of the largest unconventional developments in the Middle East, potentially creating contract opportunities for Canadian and international field service companies with shale expertise. Jafurah’s scale and Aramco’s aggressive timeline suggest significant demand for drilling, completion, and production services over the next five years.
Field service companies with proven unconventional gas experience, particularly in liquids-rich plays, may find opportunities to bid on future phases or provide specialized services as Aramco scales up operations across its 17,000-square-kilometre development area.
