Asian Refiners Resist Yanbu Oil Pickups Amid Red Sea Risks

Asian refiners are pushing back against Saudi Aramco's request to pick up oil at Yanbu on the Red Sea, citing concerns over safety due to recent attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants.

The Red Sea region has become a flashpoint in the Middle East conflict, with several tankers and energy infrastructure targeted by the militants. This has raised risks for shipowners and made it difficult to find vessels willing to sail through the area.

Yanbu became crucial for Saudi Arabia's efforts to maintain oil shipments after the war disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and reduced supplies from the Persian Gulf.