Saudi Arabia to Increase September Oil Prices to Asia for Second Consecutive Month

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, is poised to increase its official selling prices (OSPs) for crude oil to Asia in September 2025, marking the second consecutive month of price hikes. The OSP for Arab Light crude is expected to rise by $0.90 to $1.05 per barrel from August levels, reaching a five-month high of $3.10–$3.25 per barrel above the Oman/Dubai average. Other crude grades, including Arab Extra Light, Medium, and Heavy, are also projected to see increases of $0.80–$0.95 per barrel.

This anticipated price adjustment is driven by several factors:

Tightened Supply: Ongoing production cuts by OPEC+ members have led to a reduction in available crude oil, contributing to a more constrained market.

Robust Asian Demand: Countries like China have ramped up refining activities to meet rising fuel consumption, leading to increased demand for Saudi crude.

Seasonal Consumption: The Middle East experiences heightened domestic energy use during the summer months, further influencing global oil demand dynamics.

In August 2025, Saudi Arabia raised the Arab Light crude price to Asia by $2.20 per barrel, the highest in four months. This increase was influenced by peak domestic energy consumption, heightened exports to China, and a broader OPEC+ production reset.

The price hikes align with OPEC+’s decision to boost oil production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, aiming to regain market share amid strong summer demand. This move is part of a gradual reversal of previous production cuts made to support market prices.

Saudi Aramco’s pricing decisions significantly influence global oil markets, as the kingdom’s pricing strategies often set the tone for other major oil exporters in the region. The anticipated price increases reflect Saudi Arabia’s confidence in sustained demand and its strategic approach to balancing domestic consumption with international market dynamics.

As the global oil market continues to navigate the complexities of supply constraints and varying demand levels, Saudi Arabia’s pricing strategies will remain a critical factor in shaping future market trends.