Oil loading operations at the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates have resumed after being suspended due to a drone strike and subsequent fire, according to media reports on Sunday [1]. The fire occurred at the major oil bunkering hub on Saturday, temporarily halting some operations [1]. Reuters and Bloomberg cited unidentified industry sources and people familiar with the situation, confirming that operations have restarted [1].
A spokesperson for Abu Dhabi's state oil giant, ADNOC, which operates in Fujairah, referred inquiries to the Fujairah Media Office, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment [1]. The incident follows heightened regional tensions, as Iran threatened to attack UAE infrastructure, urging residents to evacuate three major ports—Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah—claiming they are now "legitimate targets" due to alleged U.S. military presence [1]. Mizan, Iran's official judiciary news agency, asserted without evidence that U.S. forces are located in these civilian ports and warned that the facilities "may be targeted in the coming hours" [1].
The escalation comes after U.S. President Donald Trump directed the U.S. Central Command to carry out a bombing raid on Iran's Kharg Island, targeting military assets for the first time [1]. Kharg Island is a critical economic hub for Iran, accounting for approximately 90% of the country's crude exports and possessing a loading capacity of about 7 million barrels per day [1]. Analysts note that any attempt to attack or seize Kharg Island would require ground troops, which the U.S. appears reluctant to deploy, but such an attack would likely drive oil prices higher [1].
Market reactions have been significant, with Brent crude oil futures closing above $100 per barrel for the second consecutive day on Friday. The global oil benchmark has surged more than 40% since the onset of the war in Iran, reflecting heightened concerns over supply disruptions and geopolitical risks [1].
CONCLUSION
The resumption of oil loading operations at Fujairah port signals a partial stabilization following the recent drone strike and fire, but regional tensions remain elevated. With Brent crude oil prices soaring and threats to critical infrastructure ongoing, the market is responding with heightened volatility and concern over future supply disruptions. The situation underscores the fragility of global oil logistics amid escalating geopolitical conflict.