06:00 - 18.08.2026

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August 18, Fineko/abc.az. Saudi Aramco is holding private talks with Asian refiners to offer crude oil outside the Strait of Hormuz, mirroring a strategy employed by UAE's Adnoc, according to Reuters sources.

Sources stated that Aramco is discussing ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE for Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude grades, targeting September loadings. The move reflects Aramco’s effort to establish alternative supply routes following prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the onset of military conflict in the Middle East and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, Aramco has redirected its Arab Light crude toward Yanbu port on the Red Sea and Sidi Kerir in Egypt. Shipping bottlenecks have previously led to a reduced market share for Aramco in key Asian consumption hubs, including India.