China, the world's largest importer of oil, reported its slowest economic growth since early 2023, exacerbating concerns about energy demand in the world’s second-largest economy. The slowdown, alongside a staggering 42% surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales in August
Oil prices remained near a two-week low on Wednesday, following a 7% decline over the previous three days due to forecasts of reduced demand growth and easing concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The cancellation of the Ras al-Zour project, which aimed to build a 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery, was driven by uncertainties surrounding domestic demand. Originally announced in November 2022, the project would have converted 45% of the refinery's crude output into chemicals.