Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi petrochemical companies are expected to have lower production rates in the coming days after Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais have been recently attacked with drones, according to a report released by Al Rajhi Capital on Monday.

Al Rajhi Capital cut its estimates for petrochemical firms’ earnings for the third quarter of 2019.

As they rely on Aramco’s supply for feedstock requirements, most petrochemical firms have already revealed a 40% reduction in feedstock supplies such as the National Petrochemical Company (Petrochem) and Sahara International Petrochemical Co (SIPCHEM), the report added.

Accordingly, production may be lowered by about 5% during Q3-19 and additional costs will likely be incurred.

However, major petrochemical firms with higher inventory level such as Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) could be able to redistribute available inventory among its units to alleviate the shortage.

In addition, lower production may also increase oil and polymer prices if the rise in cost sustains.