Saudis often liken Aramco, the kingdom’s state oil company, to a fat cow or productive hen. The company has for decades been the bedrock of the economy and the enabler of the government largesse to which Saudis have grown accustomed. Now its future has become a source of concern as disquiet grows over plans by Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince, to sell a 5 per cent stake in Aramco. In recent weeks the hashtag “Mohammed has sold the chicken” has been trending on Twitter, as social media has become the platform for an outpouring of discontent. “What showered us in riches and goods has been sold,” said one anonymous post. “What is left for us apart from the unknown, oh Prince? Of course, for us the unknown and the future for you.” The criticism of Prince Mohammed and his plans underlines the challenges the powerful young leader faces as he tries to push through bold reforms intended to overhaul Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy. The initial public offering of Aramco, which would be the world’s biggest IPO, is core to his plans. He hopes to raise $100bn through the sale, which is supposed to take place in 2018. But resistance to his plans, which include painful austerity measures as Riyadh tries to narrow a yawning fiscal deficit and counter the impact of low oil prices, is simmering. This month, the government reversed cuts to civil servants’ benefits, a surprising U-turn in the face of public pressure that included petitions and an online call for street protests.