Asian refiners are awaiting confirmation about crude scheduled for pickup at
Yanbu after ARAMCO closed a key east–west pipeline serving the Red Sea terminal
following a drone attack. Traders participating in discussions said at least
four refiners have asked about operational status but have received no official
communication; Saudi marketing executives did not respond to queries on the
extent of pipeline damage. Two refiners told traders they plan to lift cargoes
as scheduled in the absence of delay notices. ARAMCO said the pipeline was shut
last Friday as a precaution after drones launched from Iraq. Kpler senior
modeling manager Sumit Ritolia said the closure reduces route flexibility for
Asian refiners at a time when several major oil transport corridors are under
strain, and that diversification cannot fully offset cost impacts when multiple
routes are disrupted.
