Asian refiners, awaiting word on Saudi shipments, expect tighter supply

Saudi Arabia has not said how long repairs may take and Saudi Aramco has not provided updates on supply allocations or shipment schedules, sources at several Asian refineries said.

One source said they had been notified that loading will be delayed, but wasn't given a specific new date.

Three others said they had not been told whether cargoes loading from the Red Sea port of Yanbu would be delayed or suspended, although they expected delays in shipments and sour crude supplies to tighten.

"Getting sour crude is a challenge. We will have to pay higher prices as all will be chasing limited supplies from Iraq, UAE and others," said one of the refining sources.

Aramco did not respond to a request for immediate comment.