Saudi Aramco will supply at least three European refiners with their full contractual crude oil volumes in September, despite disruptions to major shipping routes caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Two of the refiners will receive their crude through Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir, while a third can choose between supplies from Sidi Kerir, Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port or a ship-to-ship transfer near Malta.

The arrangements provide greater supply certainty for European refiners as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and security concerns continue to affect vessels travelling through the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on alternative routes to keep its crude exports moving. Sidi Kerir has become a key outlet for deliveries to Europe because it allows Saudi crude to reach the Mediterranean without passing through the vulnerable Red Sea route.

Aramco has also resumed crude loadings from its Ras Tanura and Juaymah terminals in the Persian Gulf after a three-week interruption. Three very large crude carriers loaded about two million barrels each between August 12 and 16.

However, some Asian buyers are facing greater uncertainty over their September supplies. Several refiners have reportedly been reluctant to accept cargoes from Yanbu because of security risks, while routing crude through Egypt adds time and transportation costs.

The developments highlight the growing impact of regional shipping disruptions on global oil markets, with Saudi Arabia adjusting its export routes to maintain supplies to major customers.