Saudi Arabia Refuses to Pay $13.7M Jet Fuel Debt

Despite its immense oil wealth, Saudi Arabia is refusing to pay a $13.7 million debt it owes the U.S. for jet fuel supplied during its bombing campaign in Yemen — a bill that’s been outstanding for seven years.

A Department of Defense (DoD) report, reviewed by Responsible Statecraft, reveals growing frustration among Pentagon officials over Riyadh’s failure to settle the bill. The report, quietly submitted to Congress last October, outlines continued efforts by U.S. officials to pressure Saudi authorities into reimbursing the debt through meetings, correspondence, and diplomatic engagements.

Between 2015 and 2018, the U.S. provided tens of millions of dollars in support to Saudi Arabia, including fuel and midair refueling for fighter jets involved in the Yemen war — a campaign that drew widespread international criticism for hitting civilian targets such as hospitals and schools.

In 2018, the Pentagon admitted to undercharging both Saudi Arabia and the UAE by $36 million for jet fuel and $294 million for refueling services. While the UAE has since paid its share in full, the Saudis have only partially paid and now dispute the remaining $13.7 million.

Saudi officials reportedly told the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and U.S. Central Command that they were unaware of the outstanding invoice and requested more time to investigate — a claim met with skepticism, especially given the kingdom’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund.

Despite repeated reminders, Riyadh has yet to settle the debt, leaving U.S. taxpayers footing the bill.