Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s oil flows to Bahrain have gradually resumed after a brief halt, Bahrain’s national oil company Bapco said.

“Operations are under way to increase the refining output gradually, in cooperation with Aramco, upon completion of repairs soon,” Bapco said in a statement late on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said on Saturday that oil pumping to Bahrain had been suspended. It said it was stepping up security precautions at its own facilities after Bahrain blamed “terrorism” linked to Iran for an oil pipeline blast.

Iran denies any role in unrest in Bahrain, host to the US.

Fifth Fleet and a key Western ally, which has for years grappled with protests and sporadic violence.