Boris Johnson upbeat on Saudi oil supply as kingdom executes three more
Meta News
2022-03-18
Views 2
PM accused of 'blood for oil' as he seeks to boost output in Middle East to reduce reliance on Russia
#BorisJohnson #upbeatSaudi #oilsupply
Boris Johnson has hinted that Saudi Arabia may increase oil production to quell rising energy prices for Britons, as he praised the country for improving its human rights record, despite the execution of three others during his visit.
With domestic pressure mounting as the West's attempt to end reliance on Russian imports exacerbates a crisis of livelihoods, the British prime minister stormed into the Middle East, urging leaders to help stabilize oil prices by raising offers.
Johnson said there was "a lot of consensus" in his meeting with Saudi Arabia's ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding that efforts should be made to ensure "the global economy is not hurt by the current surge".
On the same day, the Saudi government executed three other citizens.
This comes just days after 81 men made the largest statement in the kingdom's history. Half of them are Shiite Muslims and participated in protests calling for more political participation a decade ago, the United Nations said.
Johnson's visit is heavily restricted by the media, with government sources saying the 10th hopes to draw relatively little attention.
Although he was unable to announce a firm commitment after visiting the capitals of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he said he had debated why oil producers should work to stabilize prices to avoid a 1970s-style energy crisis.
In a brief interview that followed, Johnson stressed there was "a lot of consensus" on "the importance of avoiding inflation" and the "harmful economic consequences" that could follow.
Oil hit a 14-year high of nearly $130 a barrel after Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine. However, prices fell to around $100 on Wednesday amid ongoing ceasefire talks.
Johnson was pessimistic about his ability to use unused capacity from the Saudi-led Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cushion the blow of Russia's phasing out of fossil fuels.
But he stressed that the West needs energy independence and that countries now realize they made a mistake by creating a dependence on Russian hydrocarbons and allowing Putin to blackmail countries and their economies.
Asked if he had spoken about the recent mass executions, Johnson said simply: "I've been raising human rights issues, as the British Prime Minister has done before me. It's best if the details of these conversations remain private, it will be more efficient
#BorisJohnson #upbeatSaudi #oilsupply
Boris Johnson has hinted that Saudi Arabia may increase oil production to quell rising energy prices for Britons, as he praised the country for improving its human rights record, despite the execution of three others during his visit.
With domestic pressure mounting as the West's attempt to end reliance on Russian imports exacerbates a crisis of livelihoods, the British prime minister stormed into the Middle East, urging leaders to help stabilize oil prices by raising offers.
Johnson said there was "a lot of consensus" in his meeting with Saudi Arabia's ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding that efforts should be made to ensure "the global economy is not hurt by the current surge".
On the same day, the Saudi government executed three other citizens.
This comes just days after 81 men made the largest statement in the kingdom's history. Half of them are Shiite Muslims and participated in protests calling for more political participation a decade ago, the United Nations said.
Johnson's visit is heavily restricted by the media, with government sources saying the 10th hopes to draw relatively little attention.
Although he was unable to announce a firm commitment after visiting the capitals of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he said he had debated why oil producers should work to stabilize prices to avoid a 1970s-style energy crisis.
In a brief interview that followed, Johnson stressed there was "a lot of consensus" on "the importance of avoiding inflation" and the "harmful economic consequences" that could follow.
Oil hit a 14-year high of nearly $130 a barrel after Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine. However, prices fell to around $100 on Wednesday amid ongoing ceasefire talks.
Johnson was pessimistic about his ability to use unused capacity from the Saudi-led Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cushion the blow of Russia's phasing out of fossil fuels.
But he stressed that the West needs energy independence and that countries now realize they made a mistake by creating a dependence on Russian hydrocarbons and allowing Putin to blackmail countries and their economies.
Asked if he had spoken about the recent mass executions, Johnson said simply: "I've been raising human rights issues, as the British Prime Minister has done before me. It's best if the details of these conversations remain private, it will be more efficient
Report form
