Why Does Fujairah Matter During Hormuz Tensions?
News Desk
Islamabad: A drone strike and subsequent fire at the port of Fujairah Port have disrupted some oil-loading operations, drawing fresh attention to the strategic importance of the Gulf hub for global energy markets.
Located on the Gulf of Oman, the port has become even more critical during the ongoing regional conflict as shipping routes through the nearby Strait of Hormuz remain largely restricted. The facility serves as a major export outlet and refuelling centre for ships operating in the region.
Data from energy analytics firm Kpler shows that Fujairah exported more than 1.7 million barrels per day of crude oil and refined fuels on average last year, equivalent to roughly 1.7% of global daily oil demand.
The port is also one of the world’s leading marine fuel hubs. In 2025 it sold 7.4 million cubic metres of marine fuels, ranking as the fourth-largest bunkering centre globally, behind Singapore, Port of Rotterdam and Zhoushan.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistan-diversifies-oil-supply-amid-strait-of-hormuz-crisis/
For the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is particularly vital because it provides a route for oil exports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
The country operates the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, a 1.5-million-barrel-per-day pipeline that transports crude from Abu Dhabi’s oil fields directly to the port. From there, the UAE’s flagship crude grade Murban is shipped mainly to Asian buyers.
Before the current conflict escalated, the UAE was producing more than 3.4 million barrels per day of crude oil, making it the third-largest producer in OPEC. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption at Fujairah could force the country to curb production if export flows are constrained.
Beyond exports, Fujairah is also one of the world’s largest oil storage and blending hubs. The port has a storage capacity of about 18 million cubic metres, supporting large-scale operations where different petroleum components are mixed to produce fuels such as gasoline and bunker fuel.
Major global energy storage firms including VTTI, Vitol, ADNOC and Vopak operate facilities at the port.
The nearby Fujairah Oil Industry Zone hosts the largest commercial storage capacity for refined petroleum products in the Middle East, underscoring the port’s growing importance to global fuel supply chains. Input from local and foreign media.
