Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, the company’s largest domestic facility, has been targeted once again by a drone strike, according to a Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson.
The attempted attack did not cause any damage but comes days after a similar incident forced the temporary closure of the site.
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The spokesperson said: “An attempted attack targeted the Ras Tanura refinery, and preliminary assessments indicate the attack was carried out by a drone, resulting in no damage.”
Earlier this week, Iranian Shahed suicide drones struck Ras Tanura, prompting Aramco to halt operations due to concerns over potential disruption to regional energy infrastructure.
Following that incident, Aramco suspended exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) including propane and butane for several weeks, while maintaining local supplies. The company stated it is redirecting certain exports through the Red Sea in order to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which, according to Iran, remains open solely to Chinese vessels.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading oil exporter, with much of its petroleum production and infrastructure located along its eastern coast near Iran. The recent attacks come amidst heightened tensions following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran.
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By GlobalDataIn response, Iran has taken action against countries it accuses of supporting US military operations in the region.
Iran has also targeted tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. These developments have contributed to higher oil prices.
Brent crude climbed $1.11, or 1.4%, to $82.53 per barrel, after finishing at its highest price since January 2025 in the previous session.
Other incidents in the region include drone strikes on a fuel tank in Oman and an oil storage zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oman’s port of Duqm was targeted for a second time in three days by several drones, according to a security source quoted by the Oman News Agency.
These attacks occurred after Iran expanded its targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar despite Oman’s recent mediation efforts between Iran and the US.
In Iraq, the second-largest crude producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, authorities have reduced output by nearly 1.5 million barrels per day, roughly half of total production, due to storage limitations and a lack of export options.
As disruptions continue across key oil-producing nations, countries such as India and Indonesia are seeking alternative energy suppliers, while some Chinese refineries have either shut down or brought forward maintenance schedules.
