Oil loading operations at the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates have resumed after being suspended due to a fire triggered by a drone strike, according to media reports on Sunday [1]. The fire occurred at the major oil bunkering hub on Saturday, leading to a temporary halt in 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]. Meanwhile, Iran threatened to attack UAE infrastructure, urging residents to evacuate three major ports—Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah—claiming these 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].
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he directed the U.S. Central Command to carry out a bombing raid, targeting military assets on Iran's Kharg Island for the first time [1]. Kharg Island is a critical economic hub for Iran, accounting for around 90% of the country's crude exports and possessing a loading capacity of approximately 7 million barrels per day [1]. Analysts noted 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 cause a sustained increase in oil prices [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 [1].
CONCLUSION
The resumption of oil loading operations at Fujairah has helped stabilize immediate supply concerns, but ongoing threats and recent military actions have kept oil prices elevated. The situation remains tense, with analysts warning of further price increases if critical infrastructure is targeted. Market participants should monitor developments closely as geopolitical risks continue to drive volatility.