Exclusive: Saudi Arabia floats change to Japan oil supply, sparks concern

Difficulty in processing high-grade crude highlighted following refinery attack

20190921 Saudi Persian Gulf Tensions

Aramco's damaged processing facility in Abqaiq, near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. © AP

SOTARO YUMAE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Saudi Aramco has notified Japan's top oil distributor about a potential change in shipments, stoking concerns about the kingdom's ability to supply crude following attacks on its major refineries a week ago, Nikkei learned Saturday.

State-owned Aramco did not say why it wants to change the oil grade it supplies to JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy from light to heavy and medium, starting in October, JXTG officials said.

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