# Saudi Aramco maritime supply chain adjustments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-aramco-maritime-supply-chain-adjustments
> Updated: 2026-08-17T13:12:40.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Saudi Aramco has adjusted its pricing and logistics strategies to manage maritime security risks in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, the company announced a 50-cent-per-barrel reduction in the price of Arab Light crude for Asian customers to stabilize demand amid shifting regional dynamics.

To mitigate threats from Yemeni strikes and regional instability, Aramco is implementing tactical shifts to secure deliveries. For September crude cargoes, the company is utilizing Egypt’s Sidi Kerir terminal via the SUMED pipeline to transport oil from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, allowing Asian buyers to bypass hazardous chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Additionally, Aramco is exploring ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Oman and near Fujairah, UAE, to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

These logistical changes have resulted in extended transit times to Asia by approximately 30 days and increased transportation costs estimated between $5 and $9 per barrel. To further mitigate targeting risks, some vessels have operated without continuous Automatic Identification System (AIS) coverage, complicating the tracking of Saudi crude movements. Consequently, analysts have reported conflicting data regarding flow declines: Vortexa recorded a drop to 2.38 million barrels per day, while Kepler reported a steeper decline to 1.78 million barrels per day.

## Claims

- Vortexa recorded Saudi crude flows falling from 2.71 million to 2.38 million barrels per day. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Kepler reported a steeper decline in Saudi crude flows from 4.04 million to 1.78 million barrels per day. (disputed)
- Saudi Aramco is offering September crude cargoes via Egypt's Sidi Kerir terminal to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Saudi Arabia is using alternative routes and increased secrecy to move crude due to Yemeni strikes in the Red Sea. (single source)
- Alternative shipping routes have increased transportation costs by $5–$9 per barrel and added 30 days to journeys to Asia. (single source)
- Saudi Aramco is considering ship-to-ship oil transfers off Fujairah, UAE, to supply Asian refineries. (single source)
- Saudi Arabia is offering oil for sale via ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Oman. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Saudi Aramco reroutes oil supplies to bypass Red Sea and Hormuz risks

Saudi Aramco is rerouting crude oil supplies via Egypt's Sidi Kerir terminal and exploring ship-to-ship transfers in Oman and the UAE to bypass security risks in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-aramco-seeks-alternative-oil-routes-to-bypass-strait-of-hormuz

### 2026-08-06: Saudi Aramco cuts Arab Light crude price for Asia as Hormuz talks progress

Saudi Aramco reduces Arab Light crude price for Asia by 50 cents per barrel, $2 below benchmark, as talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz advance.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-aramco-cuts-arab-light-crude-price-for-asia-as-hormuz-talks-progress

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Cite as: Saudi Aramco maritime supply chain adjustments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-aramco-maritime-supply-chain-adjustments