Riyadh, Mar 2 (.) A fire broke out at the giant Ras Tanura oil refinery on Monday, intensifying worries about global energy security.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, operates the refinery through state-owned Saudi Aramco, which has a refining capacity of 550,000 barrels per day.
The fire reportedly started after shrapnel from the interception of two Iranian drones fell on the complex, CNN reported, showing thick smoke rising from the refinery.
The Saudi Energy Ministry stated that the fire was limited, has been brought under control, and will not impact oil supplies. Reuters reported that production at the refinery was temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Ras Tanura, located on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, is a critical export terminal for Saudi crude, making its operations vital for global markets.
Separately, a major oil refinery in Kuwait, the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, was struck by falling shrapnel on Monday. Two workers were injured, but production, with a capacity of 346,000 barrels per day, was not affected.
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