Concurrent disruptions include a likely total operational shutdown at the Abqaiq processing plants, which have a 7 million bpd capacity, and intense fires at the Khurais facility that handles roughly 1.8 million bpd. One industry estimate suggests up to 5 million bpd of production are currently under fire. These escalations, which coincided with US Air Force tanker and surveillance flights near the Saudi-Iraq border, have contributed to oil prices rising by more than 5%.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Houthi Missiles Strike World's Largest Oil Field in Saudi Arabia
War7 days ago
Yemen's Ansar Allah forces used rockets and missiles to attack the Shedgum gas plant and other sites within Saudi Arabia's eastern province. Satellite data from NASA FIRMS showed a peak fire radiating power of 616 MW at Shedgum, nearly nine times its typical 69 MW, while plumes of black smoke were observed at the Hawiyah gas plant and the Northern Ghawar oil field. These targeted sites are core components of the Ghawar field, the largest onshore oil field in the world, which historically produces over 5 million bpd.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.