Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline Halted After Drone Attack, Blocking Hormuz Bypass Export Route

Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline was halted after a drone attack, blocking a key export route that had been used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. AP reported that the pipeline shutdown could reduce Saudi oil supply in the market, raising concerns about global oil supply disruptions. The Saudi Energy Ministry announced on September 11 that the pipeline was temporarily closed for preventive measures to secure safety and assess damage. The East-West pipeline, which connects the eastern Abqaiq oil field to the Red Sea port of Yanbu over a 1,200 km route, has been vital for Saudi oil exports since restrictions on Strait of Hormuz navigation due to Iran's war. Al Jazeera reported that this route previously transported 4-5 million barrels per day, accounting for 4-5% of global supply.