Saudi Arabia Halts East-West Pipeline After Attacks
Saudi Arabia temporarily halted the strategic East-West Pipeline after attacks near Riyadh and Medina. The Energy Ministry called the halt a precautionary measure, and several people were injured. The date for resuming pipeline operations is unknown.
Sources
· 7Саудовская Аравия остановила нефтепровод Восток-Запад длиной 1200 км после атак
1Саудовская Аравия остановила нефтепровод «Восток–Запад» после атак в районах Эр-Рияда и Медины
2Саудовская Аравия закрыла нефтепровод Восток-Запад после атак хуситов
3Удары дронов поразили насосные станции нефтепровода Саудовской Аравии Восток-Запад
4Экспорт саудовской нефти через Красное море упал на 41%, остался только Суэцкий маршрут
5Саудовская Аравия заявила об атаке дронов из Ирака на нефтепровод East-West
6Саудовская Аравия сократила добычу нефти до минимума с 1990 года, Brent выше $100
7Key points
- Saudi Arabia temporarily halted the East-West Pipeline, about 1,200 km long, after attacks in the areas of Riyadh and Medina.
- Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry called the halt a precautionary measure and said several people were injured.
- The pipeline transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- The date for resuming pipeline operations is currently unknown.
What happened
Saudi Arabia temporarily halted the strategic East-West Pipeline, about 1,200 km long, after attacks near Riyadh and Medina. The Energy Ministry said the shutdown was introduced as a precautionary measure and that several people were injured.
Why it matters
The pipeline transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Previously, this route was described as critical for oil exports bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. By the time of the shutdown, Saudi Arabia had already cut oil production by about 1.9 million barrels per day to 6.238 million barrels, the lowest monthly level since 1990, and Brent rose above $100 per barrel.
What changed
Earlier reports mentioned drone strikes on pumping stations along the East-West Pipeline and satellite images showing fires near Al-Mesbaa and Al-Dekra. Now Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry has reported a complete shutdown of the pipeline.
Who's affected
Several people were injured as a result of the attacks and received medical assistance. Iraq condemned the attack, and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation. The pipeline connects the main oil fields in the east of the country with the port of Yanbu.
Earlier
- Drone strikes hit pumping stations of the East-West Pipeline, and satellite images showed fires near Al-Mesbaa and Al-Dekra.
- Saudi oil exports from the port of Yanbu fell by 41% from their March peak to 2.39 million barrels per day in June.
- Saudi Arabia cut oil production in August to 6.238 million barrels per day, the lowest level since 1990.