ADNOC Restores Murban Crude Supply to Partners After Temporary Reductions
In a pivotal development for the oil market in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has reinstated the majority of its Murban crude supply to its partners operating within the onshore fields of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This restoration comes after ADNOC had previously announced a significant reduction in supply, sparking dialogue among trading sources and industry analysts.
The Murban grade crude, recognized as the UAE’s flagship oil product, is essential not only for the region’s economy but also for global markets. ADNOC’s partners—including BP, TotalEnergies, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Zhenhua Oil, Japan’s Inpex, and South Korea’s GS Energy—are stakeholders in ADNOC Onshore. These equity holders are entitled to approximately 40% of the Murban output, amounting to around 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd). Such partnerships underscore the collaborative efforts to optimize the management and distribution of this vital resource.
In the preceding month, ADNOC had informed its partners of a planned reduction in Murban crude supplies by as much as 4 million barrels for July. Despite these announced cuts, a spokesperson for ADNOC assured that the company had maintained an uninterrupted supply for term supply customers, specifically refiners, indicating no suspension of Murban sales contracts or nominations during June and July. This indicates a strategic approach by ADNOC to balance domestic processing needs while fulfilling international commitments.
The company’s forward-looking plans have raised eyebrows, particularly regarding export volumes. ADNOC has indicated expectations of lower export rates of its flagship Murban crude for a span stretching from August 2025 to May 2026, a decision influenced by the firm’s strategy to process increased volumes domestically. This shift reflects ADNOC’s commitment to emphasizing local refining capabilities and enhancing the operational efficiency of its refineries.
In particular, ADNOC plans to export an estimated 1.705 million bpd of Murban crude in August 2025, a decrease of 65,000 bpd from its previous export schedule, as reported by industry news agency Reuters. The reason for this decline is attributed to a ramp-up of processing at the Ruwais refinery in the UAE. The optimization at Ruwais, one of the region’s foremost refineries, demonstrates ADNOC’s focus on efficiently managing its feedstock and meeting domestic energy requirements.
Moreover, ADNOC’s refined export plans involve a continued decrease in Murban crude exports, projected to range between 100,000 bpd and 177,000 bpd from September 2025 until May 2026. This reduction aligns with the company’s ongoing strategy to prioritize domestic usage and ensure robust operational capabilities within its refining sector.
As one of OPEC’s leading producers, the UAE, through ADNOC, is navigating the complexities of global oil markets while simultaneously focusing on domestic energy needs and sustainability. The strategic balancing of export obligations with domestic processing illustrates a progressive approach to managing national resources, particularly relevant as global demand for oil fluctuates amidst geopolitical tensions and shifts towards renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, ADNOC’s recent decisions regarding the Murban crude supply highlight the intricate interplay between international trade commitments and domestic energy strategy. As ADNOC continues to adapt to changing market conditions and operational demands, its role as a key player in the global oil landscape remains pivotal, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a critical energy provider in an evolving world.
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