Saudi Arabia has reportedly shut down or significantly curtailed operations at its Ras Tanura refinery following an apparent drone strike on March 2, 2026, amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict and retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure.
Ras Tanura, one of the world’s largest and oldest refineries (capacity ~550,000 barrels per day) and a key export terminal on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, handles crude stabilization, processing, and loading for global markets. Even brief disruptions here can ripple through supply chains, especially amid ongoing regional tensions.
Saudi Energy Ministry and Aramco have condemned the “terrorist aggression,” activated emergency protocols, and emphasized resilience of infrastructure. The kingdom vows to defend its energy assets while maintaining supply stability.
The incident heightens fears of broader energy market chaos, Strait of Hormuz risks, and spillover from the Middle East war affecting global prices and supply security.