Oman's Mina al Fahal terminal has halted oil loading operations following an explosion near its single-buoy mooring (SBM) berths, according to two sources familiar with the situation. The blast occurred between SBM 1 and 2 berths and is suspected to have been caused by a drone attack, the sources stated. The exact timing of the incident remains unclear.
The terminal could not be reached for comment outside regular office hours, as reported by Reuters. Shipping data from LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) indicated that several supertankers were anchored off the port on Friday. Mina al Fahal is one of Oman's primary crude export facilities, located on the Gulf of Oman, outside the Persian Gulf and beyond the disrupted Strait of Hormuz zone.
Context of Rising Tensions
This development follows Iranian state media reports from Wednesday claiming that Tehran targeted a US military vessel described as hosting a 'control and command center' as it approached Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman. The US Central Command has denied this account.
Oman has been playing a back-channel diplomatic role in US-Iran negotiations, making any destabilization of its territory particularly consequential for peace efforts. The incident underscores the fragility of regional stability amid ongoing conflicts.
Impact on Oil Markets
The suspension of operations at Mina al Fahal could affect global oil supplies, as the terminal is a key export point for Omani crude. Analysts are monitoring the situation closely for potential disruptions in the oil market.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
