It is understood that Saudi Aramco is to boost its oil output capacity by up to 800,000 barrels a day, with a major expansion programme in the Khurais region, 100km west of the giant Ghawar field. The estimated USD 3000 million project is to be tendered in mid-2002, and completed in mid-2005, contractors say. The details of the project are still under consideration, but early indications suggest that four gas/oil separation plants (GOSPs) with capacities of up to 200,000 b/d each could be built. The proposals are understood to be part of the development programme that has already begun with expansions at Qatif and Haradh.
