Global oil prices surged on Thursday after a missile strike hit Bahrain’s largest petroleum refinery, raising fresh concerns about the security of energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
The attack, attributed to Iran, struck a major facility operated by Bahrain Petroleum Company in the industrial area of Ma’ameer, triggering a large explosion and fire that was captured in videos circulating online.
Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that part of the oil infrastructure zone had been targeted by a ballistic missile.
“One facility in Ma’ameer was targeted, and the relevant authorities are handling the incident,” the Bahrain Ministry of Interior stated
Emergency responders later succeeded in containing the blaze.
“The fire that broke out in one of the facilities in Ma’ameer, which was targeted by the Iranian aggression, has been brought under control. Limited material damage was reported, with no loss of life,” the ministry added.
The refinery is located within one of Bahrain’s major industrial zones that hosts facilities producing petroleum products and other industrial materials, including asphalt and concrete.
Energy analysts say the attack highlights the growing vulnerability of oil infrastructure across the Gulf as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the region.
Following news of the strike, benchmark crude prices climbed sharply. The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate crude, rose more than five per cent to $78.88 per barrel, its highest level since January last year.
The international benchmark, Brent Crude, also gained 3.6 per cent, reaching $84.34 per barrel.
Security analysts believe the strike may be linked to escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly after reports that an Iranian warship had been torpedoed in the Indian Ocean.
Iran had earlier warned that Washington would “bitterly regret” the incident, fuelling fears that attacks on energy facilities could intensify across the region.
Experts say continued disruptions to Gulf oil infrastructure could have wider implications for global energy markets and supply stability.