Saudi Arabia Restarts East-West Pipeline Following Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia has resumed operations on its critical East-West Pipeline after a September 11 drone attack, attributed to Iraqi militia, forced a temporary shutdown. The pipeline, which serves as a strategic bypass for the Strait of Hormuz by transporting crude to the Yanbu export hub on the Red Sea, is currently pumping at reduced rates. While Saudi Aramco aims to reach a flow of 4 million barrels per day (bpd) shortly, experts indicate that a full restoration of the 7 million bpd capacity could take six to eight weeks. The news of the restart immediately impacted global energy markets, contributing to a drop in Brent crude prices to approximately $97 per barrel.

// Background

The East-West Pipeline is a 745-mile strategic link between Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields and the Yanbu port on the Red Sea. It allows the Kingdom to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime chokepoint that has become increasingly volatile due to conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The pipeline is a critical component of global energy security, carrying roughly 4% of the world's oil supply.

// Key Developments

• Operations resumed at the East-West Pipeline following a shutdown caused by drone strikes on September 11, 2026.
• Brent crude prices fell by over $2 per barrel toward $97 on news of the restart.
• Three pumping stations were damaged in the attacks, which Saudi Arabia blamed on Iraqi militia.
• The pipeline currently handles approximately 4 million bpd, representing 4% of global oil supply.
• Full capacity restoration of 7 million bpd is estimated to take between 6 and 8 weeks.
• The first post-restart cargo from Yanbu is reportedly scheduled for delivery to China.