Bahrain's only oil company declares force majeure after Iranian strikes

Bahrain's only oil company declares force majeure after Iranian strikes
Smoke rises following a strike on the Bapco Oil Refinery, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, on Sitra Island Bahrain, 9 March 2026.
Reuters

Bahrain’s state-owned oil company Bapco has declared force majeure after an attack set the country’s only refinery ablaze. The firm says domestic supplies remain secure, but operations are disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscoring regional energy risks.

The oil refinery has declared force majeure on Monday on its shipments after an Iranian attack set its refinery ablaze, the Bahrain News Agency reported. Bapco, the only oil processing facility in the country, has been significantly affected.

The company said its operations “have been affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex.”

“Outbreak of a fire due to the Iranian aggression targeting a facility in Al Ma’ameer, with material damage reported but no casualties recorded, and the competent authorities have begun firefighting procedures,” Bahrain News Agency says in a post on X.

Force majeure is a legal provision that frees a company from contractual obligations in extraordinary circumstances.

This means that the country's trading partners including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India and the United States cannot bring any claim against the country in the event that they are unable to fulfil any outstanding trade orders.

Bapco however reassured that all domestic market needs remain fully secured and that supplies will continue without disruption, supported by contingency plans already in place. 

For Bahrainis, this means fuel, electricity, and essential energy needs should remain secure despite the refinery attack.

The move comes amid rising regional tensions, as countries take steps to secure energy reserves for their domestic needs following the U.S./Israel-Iran escalations.

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