DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Aramco’s profits soared by 30 percent for the first-quarter of the year, compared to last year, riding on the back of higher crude oil prices, the oil company said Tuesday. Aramco said the increase in profits primarily reflects the impact of higher crude oil prices brought on by increased global demand for crude amid ongoing vaccination programs and the reopening of the economy in several countries. The company also confirmed it would deliver on a promised dividend payout of $18.75 billion for its shareholders. Aramco is more than 98 percent owned by the Saudi government, with 1.7 percent traded on the Saudi stock exchange. By APFILE – This Sept. 15, 2019, file photo, shows storage tanks at the North Jiddah bulk plant, an Aramco oil facility, in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia.

Source: Egypt Independent May 04, 2021 08:15 UTC