Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Crude Pipeline After Multiple Attacks

Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Pipeline After Multiple Attacks

9/11/2026 - Saudi Arabia shut down its vital East-West crude oil pipeline on Friday as a precaution after multiple attacks struck the line a day earlier, the kingdom’s Ministry of Energy said, adding pressure to already strained global oil supplies.

An official source at the ministry stated that the pipeline, which runs through the Riyadh and Madinah regions, was targeted on the morning of Thursday, September 10. The attacks caused a number of injuries; those affected received medical care. Emergency and specialized technical teams responded immediately to secure the pipeline and assess its safety in coordination with other authorities, the statement said. Further updates would be provided as they become available.

The East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline, stretches roughly 1,200 kilometers from processing facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. It has a pumping capacity of about 7 million barrels per day and serves as the kingdom’s primary alternative export route that avoids the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on the line since the war with Iran began in late February, when flows through the strait were disrupted. The kingdom has redirected millions of barrels per day westward through the pipeline.

Saudi authorities did not identify who carried out the attacks or detail the extent of any damage. Reports citing U.S. officials and satellite imagery described strikes on pumping stations, fires, and a large smoke plume south of Medina. Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have escalated attacks on Saudi civilian and energy targets in recent days, including strikes in the south that caused fires and temporary operational halts. Some assessments pointed to drones originating from Iraq, though responsibility has not been officially confirmed.

The pipeline was previously hit in April 2026 during earlier stages of the Iran conflict. That attack on a pumping station reduced throughput by about 700,000 barrels per day; Saudi Arabia later restored the line to full capacity. The latest shutdown comes as oil markets remain volatile, with crude prices recently topping $100 a barrel amid the broader Middle East fighting.

The Ministry of Energy said any additional developments would be announced in due course.

Sources: Saudi Press Agency official statement, Bloomberg, CNBC, The National, Arab News, OilPrice.com reporting citing satellite data and U.S. officials.

Saudi Arabia closed its vital East-West crude oil pipeline Friday as a precaution after Thursday attacks caused injuries. The 7 million bpd Hormuz-bypass line is a key export route amid Middle East conflict. 17GEN4.com