KPLER data show Saudi refining capacity fell to about 2.20 mln b/d in August. Restrictions at the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted eastbound flows, forcing greater reliance on the Red Sea route, which can handle roughly 1.87 mln b/d of refinery throughput. Security issues at Bab el‑Mandeb have reduced that route's flexibility, leaving Saudi exports exposed in both east‑ and westbound directions. The 400,000 b/d Jizan refinery remains offline after Houthi attacks in July and subsequent strikes on

2026-08-26

KPLER data show Saudi refining capacity fell to about 2.20 mln b/d in August. Restrictions at the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted eastbound flows, forcing greater reliance on the Red Sea route, which can handle roughly 1.87 mln b/d of refinery throughput. Security issues at Bab el‑Mandeb have reduced that route's flexibility, leaving Saudi exports exposed in both east‑ and westbound directions. The 400,000 b/d Jizan refinery remains offline after Houthi attacks in July and subsequent strikes on related infrastructure. SATORP, the Aramco‑TotalEnergies 200,000 b/d ADU/VDU and associated units have been in maintenance since April and require extended repairs. KPLER expects SATORP to phase back in mid‑late Q4, supporting Saudi refining capacity to rise to about 2.45 mln b/d in Q4; with remaining damaged capacity restored, output should move closer to pre‑conflict levels by Q1 2027.