Saudi Arabia's flagship oil producer, Saudi Aramco, has halted operations at its Ras Tanura refinery following a reported drone attack, according to multiple media outlets.
As per Sky News Arabia, the Ras Tanura facility was shut down after the strike, while workers at Aramco installations were seen evacuating the premises amid reports of Iranian attacks. Several videos circulating on social media showed employees walking out of the complex as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the site.
A report by Bloomberg said the refinery, one of the largest in the Kingdom with a capacity of around 550,000 barrels per day, was forced to suspend operations after a drone — suspected to have been fired from Iran — struck the facility. Officials cited in media reports said a fire broke out following the impact but was later brought under control. No injuries have been reported so far.
Located along the Persian Gulf coast near Dammam, Ras Tanura is a key crude oil refining and export hub owned and operated by Saudi Aramco. The complex has long served as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure, catering to domestic fuel demand and underpinning export revenues.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Over the weekend, the United States and Israel carried out missile strikes across Iran, urging local populations to oppose the Islamic regime. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, US bases, and strategic facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Global oil markets reacted sharply to the developments. Brent crude surged to around $79 per barrel at approximately 1:30 pm IST on Monday (March 2), marking the biggest single-day gain in four years as traders weighed the risk of supply disruptions from the region.
The latest escalation follows reports of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, with hostilities between Iran, the US and Israel entering their third consecutive day.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
