Iranian strike on Dubai tanker sparks oil spill fears

The fire aboard the Kuwaiti oil tanker Al Salmi, struck in an Iranian attack in Dubai port, has been extinguished. According to the authorities, the assault damaged the vessel’s hull and raised fears of a possible oil spill.

Around two million barrels of oil from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were on board. All 24 crew members are safe.

The incident is one of several in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began following US–Israeli strikes on Iran. Dubai authorities said the blaze broke out after the drone strike and that assessments are ongoing. The Kuwaiti oil company is also evaluating the extent of the damage.

The tensions have also affected the oil market. The price of Brent crude rose by more than two per cent shortly after the incident and is on course for its sharpest increase in March. It later eased slightly following reports of a possible end to the war.

Further incidents were reported in the area on the same day. A container ship off the coast of Saudi Arabia reported projectiles striking the water nearby. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.

(reuters, max)