The Digester

Drone Strike Halts Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura Refinery

Mar 2nd 2026

Aramco stopped the 550,000 barrel-per-day Ras Tanura plant on the Persian Gulf coast after a drone strike, with officials pausing output while damage is assessed and markets reacting.

  • Aramco halted operations at the Ras Tanura refinery on Monday after a drone strike, according to people familiar with the matter.
  • Ras Tanura processes about 550,000 barrels per day and is Saudi Arabia's largest refinery and a key diesel supplier.
  • People familiar with the developments said the shutdown was a precaution while officials assess damage.
  • Gasoil futures jumped after news of the closure, reflecting immediate market concern.