Saudi Aramco is considering a bold move to open one of the world's largest unconventional gas fields to overseas investors to finance the $110 billion project and help it diversify its revenues, according to people familiar with the matter.
The state-owned oil producer is working with a consultant to explore introducing new equity or debt investments in its sprawling Jafurah gas field and has begun preliminary talks with potential investors, including large commodity traders, according to people familiar with the matter. People familiar with the matter spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not made public.
The consideration is still at an early stage and Saudi Aramco may also decide to raise funds in other ways to fund the Jafurah project, the person familiar with the matter said.
A representative of Saudi Aramco declined to comment.