UAE Introduces New Pricing System for Crude Oil Exports

Methodology Transition and Benchmarks
In a significant shift from existing operational frameworks, ADNOC will move away from its current ICE Futures Abu Dhabi-based pricing mechanism, which relies on the Murban futures contract to price crude two months ahead of loading. Under the newly established protocol, official selling prices will be anchored to the prompt-month Platts Dubai benchmark. This baseline will then be supplemented by a specific differential announced by ADNOC in the month immediately preceding the target delivery window.

Scope of Application and Market Demand
This comprehensive pricing adjustment will be uniformly applied across all of ADNOC's onshore and offshore crude grades in Abu Dhabi, specifically encompassing Murban, Das, Umm Lulu, and Upper Zakum. Company leadership emphasized that despite this strategic pivot, global demand for its crude grades remains exceptionally strong, supported by robust trading, shipping, and logistical capabilities designed to ensure reliable energy supplies to international consumers.

Financial Structure and Operational Stability
To reassure global markets, ADNOC clarified that this procedural transition is strictly related to physical crude valuation and will not disrupt existing corporate financial structures. The change in the pricing mechanism is not expected to materially impact any ADNOC-listed financial instruments, including issuances completed under the Murban GMTN or Sukuk programs. The state energy producer firmly stated that all operational commitments and physical delivery obligations will continue entirely unaffected.