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

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 modelling 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.