Canada row won't impact oil supplies: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has clarified that the current diplomatic crisis between the kingdom and Canada will not, in any way, impact Saudi Aramco's relations with its customers in Canada.

 

In a statement issued today, Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih said that the petroleum policy of Saudi Arabia emphasises that the kingdom’s petroleum supplies to countries around the world are not to be impacted by political considerations.

 

He reiterated that this is a firm and longstanding policy that is not influenced by political circumstances, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

 

Al-Falih stressed that the kingdom continues to invest in its production



capacity, which is considered a key factor in reducing market volatility that is damaging to the interests of producers and consumers alike and the global economy at large.

 

Riyadh on Sunday froze new trade with Canada and expelled the Canadian ambassador in a dispute sparked by Canada demanding the release of jailed Saudi rights activists. It also ended state-backed educational and medical programmes in Canada.

 

On Wednesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir ruled out the possibility of a third party mediating to mend the rift between the two countries.

 

He said Canada needed to “fix its big mistake”. He also said Saudi Arabia is "considering taking further measures".