Why is Saudi Aramco offering crude oil outside the Strait of Hormuz to Asian refiners?

Saudi Aramco is offering crude oil outside the Strait of Hormuz to Asian refiners via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah in the UAE to circumvent prolonged disruptions caused by security threats—including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and broader regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran—which have deterred tankers from transiting the strait and curtailed Aramco's market share in key markets like India.

What specific crude grades and logistics arrangements is Aramco using for these non-Hormuz deliveries?

Aramco is negotiating private sales of Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude via ship-to-ship (STS) transfers off Fujairah in the UAE, with at least some cargoes designated for September loading; it has also diverted Arab Light crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and offered that grade from Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Saudi Aramco Offers Crude Outside Hormuz to Asian Refiners, Sources Say

Aug 17, 2026

Saudi Aramco is arranging ship-to-ship crude transfers off Fujairah to bypass Strait of Hormuz disruptions linked to regional conflicts. This move helps Asian refiners secure supplies while avoiding security risks associated with tanker transit through the strait.

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