Full Breakdown
Saudi Energy Summit Presses On Amid Houthi Airport Strikes; Top Oil CEOs Dropped
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Executive Dropouts at WPC Energy Congress
On Oct 12, organizers of the 25th World Petroleum Council (WPC) Energy Congress announced that the chief executives of ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron and BP were no longer on the programme. The removals came as Saudi authorities continued the five-day summit despite missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport that killed at least a dozen people and injured hundreds.
Background & Context
The congress, held in Riyadh for the first time, is a flagship gathering for the global petroleum industry. It was postponed from April 2024 after the war between the United States, Israel and Iran began in February 2024. Hosting the event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.
Timeline
- Oct 6: Oil flow recovered to about 5.8 million barrels per day (bpd) after earlier Houthi attacks.
- Oct 11: A Houthi strike on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and wounded 309, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority.
- Oct 12: The WPC schedule was revised to remove the five top-level CEOs.
- Oct 15: The congress is set to conclude.
Data & Statistics
- Executive dropouts: 5 chief executives (ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron, BP).
- Casualties: Reports vary between 12 and 13 deaths, with over 300 injuries.
- Flight disruption: The airport cancelled 99.7 % of scheduled flights on Oct 11; Flightradar24 recorded 260 cancellations and 219 delays.
- Oil throughput: 5.8 million bpd flowing by Oct 6, against a line capacity of about 7 million bpd.
Official Statements & Responses
A Saudi Energy Ministry spokeswoman said the summit demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to “energy security” despite the attacks. A BP spokesperson said the company “made every effort to participate” but withdrew because of travel disruption. The International Energy Forum ministerial plenary will be held behind closed doors, with limited press access.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport for safety checks. Airlines including Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM extended flight cancellations through Oct 16. Schools in the capital shifted to remote learning, and several financial institutions moved staff to work from home.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the death toll from the Oct 11 attack: one outlet cites 13 fatalities, another 12. Both agree on injuries exceeding 300. No public figure has clarified the discrepancy, and casualty figures remain unverified beyond initial statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To everyone who travelled to Riyadh, thank you,” — Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz
- “Riyadh is the capital of energy security and your presence here today proves that,” — Prince Abdulaziz