Saudi Arabia Halts East-West Crude Pipeline After Thursday Attacks
Saudi officials said the East-West oil pipeline was shut as a precaution following attacks in the Riyadh and Madinah regions that injured several people.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry announced on Friday that the East-West crude oil pipeline was taken offline after being targeted in attacks on Thursday morning in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. Emergency teams were dispatched to secure the line and evaluate its condition, and the ministry said further updates would be provided as needed.
The pipeline, which can move up to 7 million barrels of crude per day to Red Sea export terminals, has been used to shift Saudi oil shipments away from the Persian Gulf. The ministry did not identify the perpetrators or confirm the extent of any damage.
Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen have stepped up attacks on Saudi targets this week, including strikes on energy facilities that injured more than 70 people. The group has previously declared a maritime embargo against Saudi interests and has sought to disrupt oil flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser previously noted the pipeline’s role in offsetting supply disruptions linked to regional tensions. Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel for the first time in months amid the heightened conflict, with the pipeline incident cited as a factor in the price rally.