Saudi women drivers will boost gasoline demand, says Al-Falih

The lifting of a ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia will have an impact on the Kingdom’s economy and fuel consumption as more vehicles will be added on the roads, Bloomberg reported, citing Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih.

Saudi Arabia officially ended the ban on women drivers midnight on Saturday.

“There will be more cars on the road,” Al-Falih said.

"Women will be more empowered and more mobile and I think they will participate more in the job market over time, so I think it’s going to contribute to employment of females in Saudi Arabia. A secondary effect will probably be higher gasoline demand,” he added.

When asked if he was looking forward to his daughters being able to drive, Al-Falih said: “Absolutely.”