Saudi Aramco will have a crucial decision to make early next year: Cut its $31 billion quarterly dividend and risk worsening the kingdom’s budget deficit, or keep borrowing to maintain the payout.

Saudi oil giant Aramco on Tuesday reported a 15.4% drop in third-quarter profit due to lower crude prices and weaker refining margins but still maintained its generous dividend at $31.1 billion for the quarter.

Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco reported third-quarter profits of $27.5 billion on Tuesday, down about 15% from last year as low oil prices ate into its revenues.

Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company by production and market value, reported on Tuesday a 15.4% annual decline in third-quarter earnings, due to lower oil prices and weaker refining margins,

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) says its net income dropped by 11 percent to $83.9 billion in nine months, compared to $94.5 billion in the corresponding period.

Saudi Aramco’s Q3 profit fell 15.4% to $27.6 billion due to lower oil prices, yet it maintained a $31.1 billion dividend, backing Vision 2030 and economic stability.

Saudi Aramco, the world's top oil-exporting company, reported a more than 15 per cent decline in its third-quarter profit, amid a challenging oil market marked by low prices, but still maintained a substantial 116.