Saudi Aramco reported a 26% rise in first-quarter profits, reaching $33.6 billion and beating analyst expectations.

The company credited the strong performance partly to its East-West Pipeline, which reached full capacity and helped bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ongoing regional conflict and Iran-linked shipping disruptions have tightened global oil supply and pushed prices sharply higher.

Despite market volatility, Aramco increased its dividend and maintained a low gearing ratio of 4.8%, CNBC has reported.

The results highlight how geopolitical tensions are reshaping global energy flows and boosting profits for major producers.