Pakistan, Aug. 18 -- Saudi Arabia has resumed oil loadings from inside the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of suspended shipments. The move could ease tight supplies of heavier crude grades amid continued regional tensions.

Saudi Aramco resumed loading crude last week, according to shipping data and trade sources. The company also offered Arab Medium and Arab Heavy cargoes to Asian refiners. The shipments will use ship-to-ship transfers near Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

Three very large crude carriers loaded two million barrels each between August 12 and 16. The Malaysia Prosperity, Algeria Prosperity and Singapore Prosperity loaded cargoes from Juaymah and Ras Tanura terminals. Ship-tracking data showed a three-week gap since pre...