Five oil company chiefs removed from Riyadh congress programme

Reuters reported that ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron and BP chiefs were absent from the WPC Energy Congress agenda released on October 12. BP cited travel disruption.

All five executives had previously been expected at the congress, which began on Sunday. Saudi authorities are continuing the event despite attacks on Riyadh's international airport claimed by Yemen's Houthis.

A BP spokesperson said the company had tried to participate but could not attend in person because of travel disruption. Shell declined to comment. TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Chevron had not responded to Reuters at publication, leaving each company's reasons unconfirmed.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman opened the October 12 session. He thanked participants who had travelled to Riyadh while acknowledging that holding the gathering did not mean the risks had disappeared.

The congress is taking place about 10 kilometres from the airport. The minister also said the kingdom intended to continue Vision 2030, its economic diversification programme. Changes to the speaking schedule do not mean the whole congress has been cancelled.