His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that energy security now extends beyond production capacity to encompass ensuring the flow and uninterrupted continuity of supplies under all circumstances. He emphasised that GCC states are actively working to diversify energy export outlets and guarantee supply chain continuity, bolstering the resilience of the GCC energy system and its readiness to address rapid global shifts.
His Excellency's remarks were delivered during the 37th Meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee, held on Monday (October 5, 2026) in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the members of the Committee.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the meeting, and for the steadfast support and attention accorded to joint GCC action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states. He also conveyed his appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Oil and Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the excellent organisation and preparation for the meeting.
"Indicators for 2025 reflect the preeminent standing of GCC states across global energy markets, with crude oil reserves estimated at over 518 billion barrels and natural gas reserves exceeding 44 trillion cubic metres, while crude oil production surpassed 16 million barrels per day (bpd) and marketed natural gas production reached approximately 461 billion cubic metres," His Excellency highlighted. He underscored that these metrics embody the strength and scale of Gulf resources and the efficiency of their management, alongside the pivotal responsibility GCC states bear in sustaining global energy security and market stability.
Moreover, His Excellency pointed out that disruptions across several energy transit routes and maritime corridors reaffirm the necessity of elevating GCC coordination to guarantee supply reliability. This proceeds alongside maintaining a balanced, realistic approach to the energy transition that preserves supply security and market stability while driving sustainability and investment in advanced technologies.
Concluding his address, His Excellency the Secretary General emphasised the importance of monitoring international legislation and cross-border regulatory measures, examining their repercussions on the energy sector and GCC exports, and unifying Gulf perspectives and positions to safeguard the member states' strategic interests and global competitiveness.
