Saudi Arabia says it has enough oil to meet “any” demand

Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest crude reserves.

The global oil market is well balanced and top exporter Saudi Arabia is ready to supply whatever volume of crude is needed to meet demand, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia produced record high volumes of crude in August as it boosted output for the second time in two years to cushion the global oil market from supply disruptions.

Mr. Naimi’s comments came after producer group OPEC this week sought to reassure consumers there is sufficient supply to cover a plunge in Libya’s output.

“For the record, oil market fundamentals are good. The market is well balanced. I repeat the message that Saudi Arabia is willing and capable for meeting any demand,” Mr. Naimi said at an industry event.

Despite rising Saudi output, benchmark Brent crude prices spiked above 117 dollars a barrel LCOc1 in late August on the virtual shutdown of Libyan oil output and the prospect of U.S. military action against Syria.

Brent traded at 111.67 dollars on Thursday, after falling this week as the threat of a U.S. strike receded, but the market remains volatile on concern diplomatic efforts to avoid military action might fail.

Speculation about international political events is driving oil prices rather than any shortage in supply, Mr. Naimi said on Thursday.

“Our (OPEC) production last month was almost the same as a month before, only 100,000 barrels a day shortage.

“There is no effect whatsoever…we won’t see a crisis,” said Abdullah al-Badri, the secretary general of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Saudi Arabia pumped a record 10.19 million barrels per day in August, an industry source told Reuters.

Rising supply from Saudi helped offset losses from other OPEC members.

OPEC output in August fell around 124,000 bpd on the month to 30.23 million bpd, but the group said in its monthly report this week that the market was well supplied.

(Reuters/NAN)