According to informed traders, a key crude oil export terminal in Oman resumed operations after loading activities were interrupted by an explosion early this Friday.
The traders, who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak publicly, indicated that the berths at the Port of Fahal terminal were not directly damaged in the explosion, and the specific cause remains under investigation.
The Oman News Agency reported that Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the company responsible for crude loading operations at the terminal, stated that operations have now returned to normal. Neither PDO nor the Port of Fahal responded to requests for comment.
Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, this terminal is a critical hub for crude exports from the Middle East that remains operational amidst regional conflicts. Last month, the port experienced congestion with a backlog of tankers due to large-volume lifting orders from French energy major TotalEnergies.
Oman has long acted as a mediator in U.S.-Iran negotiations and has suffered fewer attacks during the current conflict compared to other Persian Gulf coastal states. However, the Port of Fahal was targeted in an attack in March of this year, prompting several tankers to urgently depart the port area for safety reasons.
Iran has proposed joint management of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, a proposal opposed by the United States. Last week, Oman issued a warning after discovering traces of naval mines in its territorial waters.
Iran has not yet responded to the terminal explosion incident this Friday.
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