Saudi Oil Pipeline to Remain Mostly Shut for Weeks After Attack

A key Saudi Arabian oil pipeline struck in an attack last week is expected to remain largely out of service for several weeks as repair teams work to restore damaged infrastructure, according to two regional officials briefed on the situation. The attack has added pressure on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain oil exports while avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime chokepoint where shipping has been disrupted by Iranian attacks. The East-West Pipeline , stretching about 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) across Saudi Arabia, plays a critical role in transporting crude fro

A key Saudi Arabian oil pipeline struck in an attack last week is expected to remain largely out of service for several weeks as repair teams work to restore damaged infrastructure, according to two regional officials briefed on the situation.

The attack has added pressure on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain oil exports while avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime chokepoint where shipping has been disrupted by Iranian attacks.

The East-West Pipeline, stretching about 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) across Saudi Arabia, plays a critical role in transporting crude from the kingdom’s Gulf ports to terminals on its western Red Sea coast. From there, the oil can be loaded onto tankers for international markets.

Saudi Arabia blamed last week’s attack on drones launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The incident forced the pipeline to shut down on Thursday, raising concerns over the security and reliability of one of the kingdom’s most important alternative routes for exporting crude.

The officials said repairs could take three to five weeks, including work at a major pumping facility. Although the pipeline is expected to be mostly unavailable during the repairs, one official said part of the line could continue operating while restoration work is underway.

The pipeline has the capacity to transport up to 7 million barrels of oil per day, highlighting the potential significance of the disruption for Saudi Arabia and global energy markets.

The developments come as the Iran-backed Houthi movement expands its position around the Red Sea. Houthi forces have captured the strategic Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemeni government and Houthi officials.

The Bab el-Mandeb is a critical maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the open ocean and providing an important route toward Saudi Arabia’s Asian export markets. The Houthis also seized the nearby port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun last week, further strengthening their position around the waterway.

With Saudi oil infrastructure facing attacks and strategic Red Sea positions changing hands, the latest developments are increasing pressure on one of the world’s most important oil-exporting regions.