RoydadNaft –  Saudi Aramco plans to start exporting the first condensate from its massive Jafurah unconventional gas plant in February, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

The landmark $100 billion Jafurah project, which holds an estimated 229 trillion cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate, is pivotal to Aramco’s goal of becoming a major global natural gas producer. The plant’s first phase began production earlier this month, according to Saudi Arabia’s finance ministry.

One source said Aramco could export four to six cargoes per month, each around 500,000 barrels, though no specific timeline beyond the February start was provided. Initial volumes are being marketed through private negotiations, with samples potentially available to buyers by month-end.

The new condensate, with an API gravity of 49.7 degrees and 0.17% sulfur, could compete with heavier grades and ultra-light crudes in the market, according to industry analysts.

Jafurah’s output is classified as a gas project and will not count toward Saudi Arabia’s OPEC oil quota. Gas from the field will primarily support domestic power generation, freeing up crude for export.

Aramco declined to comment on the export plans.