Saudi Arabia Boosts Gulf Crude Exports After Disruptions

Saudi Arabia has stepped up crude oil loadings from its Gulf terminals following shipment interruptions that hit the East–West Pipeline and reduced or halted deliveries from Yanbu, in a move aimed at keeping supplies flowing to global customers.

Loadings from Gulf terminals averaged around 3.7 million barrels 2026, up from roughly 2.9 million barrels On September 20, Saudi Aramco loaded about 14 million barrels onto seven very large crude carriers inside the Gulf.

Aramco is reported to have arranged roughly 60 million barrels of crude shipments for September and October from Ras Tanura, using ship-to-ship transfers near Sohar, Oman. Gulf exports tied to these arrangements averaged about 1 to 1.5 million barrels broadly matching or slightly exceeding August levels.

The shift came after drone attacks disrupted the East–West Pipeline and affected shipments through Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. Some Yanbu loadings were suspended, and a number of late-September cargoes destined for European customers were canceled as operations were rerouted.

Why it matters

For residents and businesses across the Kingdom, the rapid rerouting of exports through Gulf terminals reflects the flexibility of Saudi Arabia's energy logistics and its ability to maintain reliable supply during disruptions. Steady export volumes support the wider economy that underpins jobs, services, and daily life in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond.

No official announcement has detailed specific fees, prices, timelines, or service channels connected to this export development.

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