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1h ago

Saudi Intercepts Drones at Ras Tanura, Forcing Partial Shutdown at Aramco’s Largest Refinery

Authorities report a brief fire with no injuries; domestic fuel supply remains intact.

An employee uses binoculars to look out towards the Arabian Sea in the Port Control Center at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and terminal in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. Saudi Aramco aims to become a global refiner and chemical maker, seeking to profit from parts of the oil industry where demand is growing the fastest while also underpinning the kingdom’s economic diversification. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
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The Ras Tanura oil production plant is near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's eastern province

Overview

  • Saudi Aramco halted operations at the 550,000 bpd Ras Tanura complex after two drones targeting the site were intercepted, officials said.
  • Debris from the interceptions caused a limited fire that was extinguished, and the defence ministry reported no injuries.
  • An energy ministry official said some refinery units were shut as a precaution, with fuel and petroleum product supplies in the kingdom unaffected.
  • A source told AFP the Saudi army raised its readiness to full alert following the incident, reflecting heightened security around key energy assets.
  • Riyadh summoned Iran’s ambassador as regional attacks disrupted output in Iraqi Kurdistan, curtailed Israeli gas production, slowed Hormuz shipping, and lifted Brent crude by about 10% above $82.