Saudi Aramco mulls creating separate gas unit and partial public listing

Saudi Aramco is considering restructuring its growing gas business into a new, stand-alone segment that could be partially floated on the stock exchange. The proposal would create a third pillar for the company, complementing its traditional upstream and downstream divisions. It follows reports that the company seeks to generate as much as $35 billion by selling stakes in various holdings.

Aramco is concurrently investing $100 billion in the Jafurah field, part of a strategy to raise gas production by more than 80% by 2030, and is looking to acquire interests in foreign gas projects. The gas focus reflects a broader Gulf trend toward long-term fuel demand beyond oil’s peak. Earlier ideas to spin off its trading, insurance and airline units have also been examined.