Aramco Gas Expansion Gains Momentum Through Jafurah And Tanajib Milestones

Aramco is advancing its gas strategy with two major projects that are now moving into operation. The company plans to lift sales gas production capacity by about 80% by 2030, compared with 2021 levels. Total gas and associated liquids output is targeted at roughly 6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

The expansion is expected to deliver additional operating cash flows estimated between $12 billion and $15 billion in 2030. These projections depend on future demand for sales gas and on liquids price levels. Aramco links this growth to wider national economic goals, including industrial expansion and energy system changes across Saudi Arabia.

A key part of the plan is the start of production at Jafurah, which is described as the largest unconventional gas field in the Middle East. Operations have also begun at the Tanajib Gas Plant, considered among the largest gas processing facilities worldwide. Both projects entered operation in December 2025 as Aramco scaled up its gas portfolio.

Gas produced from Jafurah is expected to help drive broader growth across the Kingdom’s economy. The field is intended to supply energy for sectors such as artificial intelligence, petrochemicals and other major industries. These supplies could support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be ranked among the world’s top ten gas producers.

Jafurah covers around 17,000 square kilometres and contains significant estimated resources. The field is assessed to hold about 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas. It also contains an estimated 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate, supporting long-term development plans and future production streams.

By 2030, Aramco aims for Jafurah to deliver sizeable daily volumes of gas and liquids. The target includes 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of sales gas and 420 million standard cubic feet per day of ethane. Planned output also includes about 630,000 barrels per day of high-value liquids.

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Technology role in Aramco gas expansion and Jafurah development

Aramco began producing the first unconventional shale gas at Jafurah in December 2025. Advanced technologies have been central to unlocking the field’s resources and shaping its development model. The project uses digital tools and specialised techniques to manage complex reservoirs and large-scale unconventional drilling activity.

From the early stages, Jafurah has relied on technology to cut drilling and stimulation expenses and raise well productivity. These measures are described as improving project economics and supporting the field’s long-term outlook. Jafurah is being positioned as a global reference point for unconventional gas development practices.

Tanajib role in Aramco gas expansion and processing capacity

Tanajib Gas Plant forms a core part of Aramco’s effort to increase gas processing capacity and diversify energy products. The plant began operations in December 2025 and is scheduled to reach a raw gas processing capacity of 2.6 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2026. This capacity is intended to support sustained economic growth.

The start-up of Tanajib coincided with the beginning of production at Aramco’s Marjan crude oil increment. Tanajib processes associated raw gas from offshore crude oil production at the Marjan and Zuluf fields. The facility includes digital integration features, efficiency-focused systems and design elements aimed at maximising resource use and complex project delivery.

Aramco gas expansion strategy, energy mix and national objectives

Aramco’s wider gas expansion programme is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company states that these investments will add value across the supply chain while supporting its role as a reliable energy supplier. Increased gas availability is also intended to help meet growing natural gas demand within Saudi Arabia.

Additional gas volumes from projects such as Jafurah and Tanajib are expected to strengthen supplies to national industries. The strategy supports efforts to achieve a more balanced fuel mix for domestic electricity generation. It also backs the Kingdom’s liquid fuel displacement programme and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s 2060 net-zero ambition.

"Jafurah and Tanajib significantly strengthen Aramco’s gas portfolio and expand our capacity at scale. These projects are a major step forward for our company and for the Kingdom’s energy future. Gas is central to our long-term growth strategy. It is expected to generate substantial earnings, meet rising domestic demand, support development across key sectors, and deliver significant volumes of high-value liquids. Together, these investments make Aramco stronger, more diversified, and better positioned to deliver sustained value to our shareholders. We value the continued leadership and support of the Ministry of Energy in advancing these strategic projects."

Overall, Aramco’s gas expansion programme, centred on Jafurah and Tanajib, is intended to support energy security and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia. The projects combine resource development, advanced technology and new processing capacity. They are designed to meet rising domestic needs while contributing to long-term national climate and industrial targets.

With inputs from SPA