Saudi Aramco Resumes Spot Sales, Increases Ras Tanura Exports

Saudi Aramco has restarted crude loadings from its Ras Tanura port on the eastern Saudi coast after a nearly four‑month suspension linked to the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict. The company switched to spot‑price sales to accelerate shipments to Asian buyers.

Trade data show at least five very large crude carriers, together carrying about 10 million barrels, have already exited the Strait of Hormuz. Two vessels are bound for Japan, two for Chinese ports (Lianyungang and Quanzhou), while other tankers await loading.

The spot pricing offers a $6‑10‑per‑barrel premium over the usual official selling price for July cargoes and is described as “very attractive” to Chinese refiners. Analysts expect Aramco to cut official selling prices for August as the market stabilises. Brent crude has hovered near $70 a barrel, down from earlier highs, as Middle‑East oil flows resume.