Satellite Data Suggests Saudi Arabia May Have Quietly Cut Oil Output Amid Rising Tensions
Satellite Data Suggests Saudi Arabia May Have Quietly Cut Oil Output Amid Rising Tensions
New satellite monitoring data indicates that Saudi Arabia may have temporarily reduced its oil production. The development comes despite the kingdom having significant unused storage capacity.
Satellite analysis by energy monitoring firm Kayrros suggests that Saudi Arabia scaled back crude output in recent days. The company, which tracks global oil inventories using satellite imaging, reported unusual stock movement patterns at Saudi storage facilities.
According to Kayrros, visible crude oil reserves rose sharply by more than 4 million barrels on the first day of the conflict. However, stock growth slowed significantly afterward, increasing by only 2.4 million barrels over the next five days. Analysts say this pattern could indicate a temporary adjustment in production or export flows.
Satellite observations also point to a possible infrastructure change. Kayrros reported that an LPG pipeline may have been converted to carry crude oil, potentially increasing the volume Saudi Arabia can transport to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Experts believe the move may be intended to prevent congestion at Red Sea oil terminals. Kayrros noted that Saudi energy giant Aramco may have reduced supply temporarily until more oil tankers arrive at Yanbu.
Aramco has not yet issued a public response regarding the report.
Source: International media reports
