United Arb , Mar 16 : Oil loading activities at the emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates have resumed following a drone strike and subsequent fire over the weekend, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The port, a major bunkering centre and crude export terminal located outside the strategic Strait of Hormuz, had temporarily halted operations after the attack. While loading has restarted, it remains unclear whether activity has fully returned to normal levels.
The disruption comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing confrontation between United States and Iran, which has already significantly impacted oil production across the Middle East. Analysts estimate that the conflict has reduced regional output by more than seven million barrels per day, roughly seven per cent of global supply.
Fujairah plays a crucial role in international energy trade. Data from Kpler shows that the port exported over 1.7 million barrels of crude oil and refined fuels per day on average last year, accounting for about 1.7 per cent of worldwide demand. The facility also hosts the region’s largest commercial storage capacity for refined petroleum products.
Tensions escalated further after Tehran warned of potential strikes on ports in the UAE following U.S. attacks on facilities at Kharg Island. Iranian media reported warnings urging residents to move away from areas near Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
State energy firm Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which operates facilities in the emirate, has not issued an official comment regarding the incident. Earlier this week, the company halted operations at its Ruwais Refinery amid the evolving security situation.
Industry observers say any prolonged disruption at Fujairah could further strain global energy markets already affected by the regional conflict.