A shutdown of a key Saudi oil pipeline has heightened near-term crude supply concerns, prompting Japanese refiners to increase Middle East purchases, traders said. Eneos Holdings and Idemitsu Kosan have bought Oman crude for loading as early as October — earlier than usual, traders said — as Gulf cargoes purchased in September typically load in November.

2026-09-16

A shutdown of a key Saudi oil pipeline has heightened near-term crude supply concerns, prompting Japanese refiners to increase Middle East purchases, traders said. Eneos Holdings and Idemitsu Kosan have bought Oman crude for loading as early as October — earlier than usual, traders said — as Gulf cargoes purchased in September typically load in November.