Saudi Arabia shut down its Ras Tanura oil refinery, run by Saudi Aramco, after a drone strike in the area, reported Bloomberg, quoting people familiar with the matter on Monday morning, March 2. The closure of the huge oil refinery was a precautionary measure taken by the KSA authorities. However, the situation is said to be under control.
Meanwhile, a video shared multiple times claiming huge blaze erupted at the facility owned by Saudi Aramco. Video shows a huge cloud of black smoke blowing out from the refinery after a suspected Iranian drone attack in the region. However, LokmatTimes.com has not verified the shared video.
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According to reports, a small fire erupted at the oil refinery plant but was doused immediately, a Semafor reporter said in a post on X, citing sources. The refinery, one of the world’s largest, reported no casualties or major damage.
Another unverified video circulating online showed thick smoke seen from approximately 1 km.
The oil refinery is among the largest in Saudi Arabia, which produces 550,000 barrels of crude per day, according to Bloomberg. The plant located on the Persian Gulf was currently reported to be shut down. Aramco's media office has not yet issued any statement on the incident.
The cured oil price rose sharply on Monday. The price of Brent crude oil was at the $80/bbl level. It later consolidated to $77.51 per barrel, rising by about 7% through the day.