Saudi: Oil production soon back to normal

MANILA, Philippines — Citing security developments, Saudi Arabia has given assurance that government operations in areas affected by the recent attacks on its oil fields would return to normal sooner than expected.

In an advisory issued yesterday, the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah expressed belief the situation in Saudi Arabia is under control. 

“Life goes on as normal in all parts of the kingdom,” the consulate said. 

A text message allegedly issued by the consulate and currently circulating on social media advises Filipinos in the kingdom to take extra precautions due to recent security developments.

“We wish to clarify that the consulate did not issue such statement. We are completely disassociating ourselves from it and urge those who created the same to immediately cease and desist from spreading it, as it only raises fear and panic in our community,” the consulate said.

The Philippines condemned the attack on civilians and the drone strikes against state-owned Aramco oil plants in Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the drone attacks on the Aramco facilities, which disrupted the Kingdom’s crude oil production, have consequences beyond the region.

Yemen-based rebels who have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition claimed responsibility for the aerial assault.

The US government said there was no evidence to back that up as it accused Iran of an “unprecedented attack on the world’s energy supply.” 

Saudi oil fields have been the target of attacks by Houthi forces during the past year.

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) condemned the major oil price increase that oil companies implemented starting yesterday.

Piston president George San Mateo criticized the Department of Energy (DOE) for saying that the P1.80 and P2.35 price increases for diesel and gasoline, respectively, were due to the recent drone attack on Saudi Aramco.