Saudi Arabia - joining the dots is a series of blog entries exploring Saudi Arabia's role in the oil markets with a brief look at the history of the royal family and politics that dictate and influence the Kingdom's oil policy.
Part 3 - The reshuffling has begun
Ali al-Niami's job remains safe...for now
In a further move which signals King Salman's tightening grip over the Kingdom's affairs since coming to power, Salman promoted his son Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman from the position of Assistant Minister for Petroleum Affairs to Deputy Oil Minister at the end of January 2015.
The move, although unexpected, should not be seen as a surprise given Salman's desire to place members of the Sadairi branch of the family into key positions.
Ali al-Niami's post as Oil Minister remains safe for now but his power in dictating Saudi oil policy, arguably the one of the most important roles in the Kingdom, is quickly diminishing. The re-shuffling is also symbolically important as it could be the first in a number of moves by Salman to sideline al-Niami and his policy of defending Saudi market share and letting oil prices fall to USD50/bbl - a policy which does not sit well with factions within the Saudi governing circle.
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