Bahrain's Alba cuts aluminum output, prices hit 4-year high amid supply shocks

• Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), the world's largest single-site smelter, began phased production cuts, deepening industry disruptions.
• Three production lines, representing 19% of its 1.6 million tonnes/year capacity, are shut down to preserve raw material inventory.
• The move, driven by maritime traffic impact through the Strait of Hormuz, sent aluminum prices to a four-year high.
• West Asia war, shipping disruptions, and natural gas shortages (affecting Qatar) are causing widespread supply blockages and price spikes.
• Hindalco clarified its aluminum extrusion operations are not halted, with minor supply disruption affecting less than 0.1% of total operations.