After 20 years, Opec says farewell to Saudi Arabia's oil supremo

Dubai

SAUDI Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi, the architect of the 2014 switch in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) policy that's since roiled the energy market, companies and entire economies from Mexico to Nigeria, is leaving his post.

An 80-year-old who rose from modest Bedouin roots, Mr al-Naimi headed the ministry for almost 21 years, steering the world's largest crude exporter through wild price swings, regional wars, technological progress and the rise of climate change as a key policy concern.

"During my seven decades in the industry, I've seen oil at under US$2 a barrel and US$147, and much volatility in between," …