Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks from Iraq

Saudi Arabia halted the East‑West crude oil pipeline on Monday after a series of drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory, officials said.

Pipeline capacity and market impact

The 1,200‑kilometre line, which carries roughly 5 million barrels of crude a day from the interior fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, accounts for about a tenth of the kingdom’s export capacity. Within hours of the shutdown, Brent crude futures rose by around 80 cents, reflecting trader concerns over a sudden supply pinch.

Official statements and regional tensions

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy confirmed the line was temporarily offline while engineers assess damage, adding that crews are working around the clock to restore flow.

Iraqi authorities later acknowledged that the drones had taken off from within Iraq’s borders and pledged a full investigation, warning that any escalation would jeopardise regional stability.

Saudi officials linked the strikes to the broader campaign by Iran‑aligned Houthi militants, who have intensified attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure this week. The Houthi group, based in Yemen, has previously targeted offshore platforms and refineries, prompting a series of defensive measures by Riyadh.

Broader implications for oil supply

Analysts at Bloomberg note that the pipeline’s closure could force Saudi exporters to divert crude to the Ras Tanura terminal, potentially straining loading slots and adding to shipping delays.

OPEC+ members are watching the development closely ahead of their scheduled meeting later this month, where the group may consider a short‑term output adjustment to offset any sustained loss of supply.

Industry insiders expect the line to remain shut for several days while inspections are carried out, but Saudi officials have not set a definitive timetable for reopening.