Business
Aramco sponsors World Cup as its Motiva refinery draws pollution fines in Port Arthur
July 13, 2026 at 06:56 PM
Aramco, the Saudi oil company and FIFA World Cup sponsor, operates the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, where residents report repeated pollution violations and health complaints.
- Aramco became sole owner of the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur in 2017 and was named a FIFA major worldwide partner in 2024.
- Motiva received fines for unauthorized sulphur dioxide releases in 2023 and 2025, and a £214,000 penalty in 2022 for a contaminated water leak.
- Hilton Kelley, an environmental activist, said elementary school nurses in Port Arthur stock 30 to 40 nebulisers for children with breathing problems.
- John Beard Jr., of the Port Arthur Community Action Network, said pollution from the refinery reduced home values by $40,000 and that Motiva offers low buyouts to residents.