Iranian Drones Torch Kuwait and
Saudi Refineries — Brent Hits $119

Brent $119: The Energy Crisis Escalates

On April 3, Iranian drones simultaneously struck the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery (Kuwait) and Yanbu refinery (Saudi Arabia). According to OilPrice.com, Brent crude spiked to $119/barrel — the highest since the 2022 energy crisis. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) confirmed simultaneous fires at 2 of its 3 major refinery complexes.

This marks the 3rd time Mina Al-Ahmadi has been struck during the conflict. Simultaneously targeting multiple refineries across different countries signals Iran is expanding its strategy from military targets to the energy infrastructure of US allies.

→ Brent at $119 means Vietnamese fuel prices may rise another 1,500-2,000 VND/liter at the next adjustment. Each household spends ~$10 more per month on fuel.

Photo: AP / Al Jazeera

Refinery Strike Map

According to Al Jazeera, beyond Mina Al-Ahmadi, Iran also launched drones at Saudi Arabia's Yanbu refinery on the same day. Simultaneous attacks on energy infrastructure in two countries demonstrate high coordination by Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Kuwait has upgraded missile defenses around Shuaiba — the remaining untouched refinery. Saudi Arabia also reinforced defenses at Ras Tanura, one of the world’s largest oil export terminals.

→ 2 of 3 Kuwait refineries on fire = 60% refining capacity lost. Kuwait must import fuel to maintain power generation and desalination.

US Loses 2 Aircraft: F-15 and Hormuz Incident

According to NPR, Iranian air defenses shot down a US F-15 fighter jet operating inside Iranian airspace. The same day, another USAF aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz — the cause remains under investigation. These mark the first two US military aircraft losses on the same day since the conflict began.

→ Losing 2 aircraft in one day intensifies Pentagon pressure. Campaign costs are rising, and further escalation becomes more likely.

Photo: Military Times / DoD

Trump Threatens Iranian Bridges and Power Plants

Trump’s warning marks a clear shift from military/industrial targeting to essential civilian infrastructure. Following the Day 33 B1 Bridge strike that killed 13, threatening more bridge and power plant attacks signals the "maximum pressure" strategy is intensifying.

→ 80 million Iranians depend on the power grid and road bridges. Targeting civilian infrastructure means a full-scale humanitarian crisis.

Week 5: Cumulative Casualties

After 35 days of conflict: 2,076 Iranians killed, 24 Israelis, 13 US military personnel, and 27 Gulf state citizens dead. The B1 Bridge death toll from Day 33 has been updated to 13. The United Nations has called for a humanitarian ceasefire but both sides refuse.

→ 2,140 dead in 5 weeks. Each week adds 300-400 casualties. Without ceasefire, this number will keep climbing.

Global Impact: Energy and Economy

Simultaneously attacking multiple refineries across countries is severely threatening global oil supply. Kuwait — the world’s 7th largest oil exporter — has lost 60% of refining capacity. Saudi Arabia must also divert resources to defend oil facilities, disrupting production.

Energy analysts warn oil could surpass $130/barrel if the Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of global crude flows — faces further disruption. The US aircraft crash near Hormuz heightens concerns about the security of this critical shipping lane.

→ Oil at $119 means Vietnam pays ~40% more for oil imports vs. pre-war. April CPI could rise 0.3-0.5% from fuel alone.

References

1. Al Jazeera — Kuwait desalination plant, oil refinery hit by missile and drone strikes (April 3, 2026)
2. NPR — Iran hits Gulf refineries as Trump warns U.S. will attack Iranian bridges, power plants (April 3, 2026)
3. OilPrice.com — Oil inches higher as Iran strikes Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery (April 3, 2026)

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