Saudi Aramco resumes Ras Tanura oil loadings

RAS TANURA, June 29, 2026 – Saudi Aramco has resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal after a halt that has lasted nearly four months, Reuters reported on Friday.

Shipping data seen by Reuters showed two VLCCs operated by Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company, Bahri, loading crude at the terminal, while another vessel was approaching and a fourth was waiting nearby. Saudi Aramco declined to comment on the movements.

Ras Tanura, the world’s largest oil export port, handled more than 5 million bopd of crude exports before the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Aramco last loaded cargo at the terminal early in March before diverting exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu when the Strait of Hormuz was blocked during the conflict. Saudi crude exports have fallen to about 4 million bopd over the past three months from more than 7 million bopd in February.

Aramco is one of the last major producers in the region to resume exports from inside the Gulf. The resumption of shipments from Ras Tanura comes as Middle Eastern producers increase oil and gas exports following an interim agreement between the US and Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Photo courtesy of Saudi Aramco

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