Saudi Arabia's Strategic East-West Oil Pipeline Closed Following Drone Attacks

A critical Saudi Arabian oil pipeline was shut down last Thursday following drone attacks that caused damage and injuries in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The East-West pipeline, which spans approximately 1,200 kilometers, allows Saudi Arabia to transport crude from eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities have attributed the strikes to Iranian-backed militias operating from Maysan province in southeastern Iraq. The closure threatens up to 5 percent of the global oil supply, as the pipeline has recently carried between 4 and 5 million barrels of oil per day.

Estimates regarding the timeline for repairs vary significantly. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Monday that the pipeline should reopen soon. However, regional officials told the Associated Press that the line will be mostly out of service for three to five weeks. Other sources cited by Reuters and Rystad Energy suggest repairs could take five to six weeks, noting that satellite imagery shows significant damage to pumping facilities. Some sources indicated that partial operations might resume while repairs continue.

Global oil markets reacted with a price surge. Brent crude rose more than 3 percent on Monday to approximately 107.82 dollars per barrel. This increase comes amid a broader conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran that began in February, which has already severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that if the pipeline remains closed, oil inventories at the port of Yanbu may only last between three and seven days.

Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have seized strategic locations, including the port city of Mokha and the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish. These gains strengthen Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital choke point for Saudi oil exports heading to Asia. While the US government claims to be making progress in clearing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, shipping data suggests vessel transits remain well below normal levels.