Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery temporarily closed after attack

March 02, 2026 (MLN): Saudi Aramco has temporarily shut its Ras Tanura refinery after a drone strike reportedly launched by Houthis set part of the facility on fire, an industry source confirmed today.

The precautionary closure comes amid escalating regional tensions following retaliatory strikes by Iran in response to US-Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.

Located on the Gulf coast, Ras Tanura is the world’s largest oil refinery, with a production capacity exceeding 550,000 barrels per day (bpd).

It also serves as a major crude export hub, made it a critical node in global oil supply chains. The source emphasized that the situation is currently under control.

Aramco has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

The attack is part of a broader wave of assaults affecting the Gulf region, targeting locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama, and the commercial hub of Duqm in Oman, according to Reuters.

The strikes have disrupted major shipping routes and pushed Brent crude futures higher by nearly 10% on Monday, showing market concern over potential supply disruptions.

Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities have faced similar threats in the past.

In September 2019, coordinated drone and missile attacks struck the Abqaiq and Khurais plants, temporarily halting more than half of the kingdom’s crude output and sending shockwaves through global oil markets.

Experts warn that the latest attacks, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions, could once again affect global energy supply, highlighting the strategic vulnerability of key Gulf oil infrastructure.

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