Global oil markets have experienced a major supply shock over the past two months after disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with industry estimates suggesting that roughly 1 billion barrels of crude supply have been taken out of global flow during the period.

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser told Reuters that even if normal shipping routes are restored, global supply chains and inventories will need time to rebalance, meaning the effects of the disruption will not disappear immediately.

Despite the turbulence in global energy flows, Saudi Aramco posted strong financial results, reporting a 25% year-on-year rise in first-quarter net profit to $32.5 billion for the period ending March 31. The performance came in above analyst expectations, supported by higher crude prices and increased sales of oil, refined products, and chemicals.

Revenue rose nearly 7% to $115.49 billion, reflecting both stronger pricing and solid demand across energy markets.

The company said it has relied heavily on its East–West pipeline system, which has been operating at full capacity of about 7 million barrels per day, helping to offset reduced reliance on maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Of this capacity, around 2 million barrels per day are directed to domestic refineries on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, while the remainder is exported via alternative routes, including the Red Sea terminal at Yanbu.

Nasser described the pipeline system as a critical safeguard during the disruption, stressing that maintaining reliable global energy supply is essential even under extreme geopolitical pressure.

The Strait of Hormuz, historically responsible for transporting about one-fifth of global oil trade, has seen significantly reduced flows due to escalating regional tensions, forcing producers to reroute exports and adjust logistics on a large scale.