Houthis Claim Missile Strike on Saudi Ras Tanura Refinery

The Houthis claimed Tuesday that they struck Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery with a missile, prompting oil prices to rise Wednesday as traders assessed the risk of disruption to regional supplies. Saudi authorities had not confirmed the strike or reported damage to the facility in accounts published Wednesday, leaving the claim unverified. Brent crude futures and U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose during Wednesday trading. Prices varied across reports taken at different times: Brent was reported between $115.24 and $115.90 a barrel, while WTI ranged from $101.12 to $101.91. These were intraday observations, not settled prices. The benchmarks had fallen nearly 2% on Tuesday as diplomatic activity eased some immediate supply concerns. Ras Tanura, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is the kingdom’s largest refinery, with capacity to process about 550,000 barrels of oil a day. The complex also includes a Gulf shipping terminal. Its position in the country’s export network has made the reported attack a focus for traders weighing risks to energy infrastructure and oil flows. The Houthi claim was not independently verified in the reports. Maritime security firm Vanguard said a...