Saudi Arabia has restarted the East–West oil pipeline, which had been closed following drone strikes on September 11. This development comes as the kingdom prepares to renew oil exports from the Yanbu port located on the Red Sea, as reported by several sources including Reuters.
Current Pipeline Operations
At present, the East–West pipeline is functioning at a diminished capacity. Saudi Aramco intends to gradually ramp up operations to reach a throughput of 4 million barrels per day, although the pipeline has a maximum capacity of 7 million barrels per day. Estimates suggest that it will take several days to achieve 40% capacity, with a complete restoration of functions expected to take between six to eight weeks.
Impact of the Attack
Recent satellite images and reports indicate that three pumping stations along the pipeline sustained damage due to the drone attacks. The East–West pipeline includes a total of 11 pumping stations and two pressure-release facilities. This infrastructure is critical for maintaining regular oil supply operations, so restoring functionality swiftly is essential for Saudi Arabia’s economy and the global oil market.
After the pipeline resumes full operation, it will supply oil to various Saudi Aramco facilities situated along the Red Sea coast. Notably, there is already an oil shipment scheduled to depart from Yanbu on September 22, destined for China.
Strategic Importance of the East–West Pipeline
The East–West oil pipeline plays a crucial role in mitigating disruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This route enables Saudi Arabia to redirect approximately 4 million barrels of oil each day to Yanbu, which represents around 4% of the global oil supply. The strategic significance of this pipeline cannot be overstated, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for energy security.
As the world watches closely, the restoration of the East–West pipeline will not only affect Saudi Arabia but also have broader implications for global oil prices and supply chains. Prompt recovery from recent attacks will be imperative for both local and international markets.