(World Oil) – Aramco has marked two major milestones in its gas expansion strategy with the start of unconventional production at the Jafurah field and the commissioning of the Tanajib Gas Plant, reinforcing its target to significantly expand Saudi Arabia’s gas production capacity by 2030.
The company confirmed that first shale gas production from Jafurah began in December 2025. Located across approximately 17,000 sq km, Jafurah is the largest liquids-rich unconventional gas development in the Middle East and is estimated to contain 229 Tscf of raw gas and 75 Bbbl of condensate and liquids.
By 2030, Jafurah is expected to deliver up to 2 Bscfd of sales gas, 420 MMscfd of ethane and approximately 630,000 bpd of high-value liquids. The development forms a central component of Aramco’s strategy to increase sales gas production capacity by about 80% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. Total gas and associated liquids production is projected to reach roughly 6 MMboed under the plan.
In parallel, the Tanajib Gas Plant commenced operations in December 2025 and is expected to reach raw gas processing capacity of 2.6 Bscfd in 2026. The facility processes associated gas from the offshore Marjan and Zuluf fields and coincided with the start-up of the Marjan crude oil increment project.
Aramco said the combined developments strengthen its integrated gas portfolio, expand processing capacity and support the Kingdom’s broader objectives to diversify its energy mix, displace liquid fuels in domestic power generation and enhance energy security.
The company estimates that incremental gas volumes could generate between $12 billion and $15 billion in additional operating cash flow by 2030, subject to market conditions.
With Jafurah and Tanajib now operational, Aramco continues to position natural gas as a cornerstone of its long-term growth strategy and Saudi Arabia’s evolving energy landscape.
