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Saudi Arabia suspends East-West Pipeline after drone attacks FAST-MOVING
Saudi Arabia has suspended operations of its critical East-West Pipeline following drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, which serves as a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz by transporting oil to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was shut down as a precautionary measure. The attacks have been traced to Maysan province in southeastern Iraq.
Market analysts warn that the disruption could impact up to 4% of the global oil supply, equivalent to approximately 4 million barrels per day. Brent crude prices surged in response to the news, exceeding $108 per barrel and reaching intraday highs near $110.19. There are concerns that Yanbu's existing oil reserves may only sustain exports for five to seven days if the pipeline remains offline.
Repair estimates for the damaged infrastructure vary, with some sources suggesting repairs could take between three to six weeks. While U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism that operations could resume soon, the geopolitical situation remains volatile. The shutdown coincides with increased Houthi activity in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, further complicating maritime energy security in the region.
Entities
Aramco · Bab el-Mandeb · Chris Wright · East-West Pipeline · Houthi · Houthi forces · Houthi rebels · Houthis · International Crisis Group · International Energy Agency · Iran · Iraq
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Brent crude futures rose by approximately 3% following attacks on energy infrastructure and vessels in the Middle East. it.euronews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait threatens Saudi oil exports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. www.nuovogiornalenazionale.com · www.corrierenazionale.net · www.jutarnji.hr · www.vecernji.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Saudi Ministry of Energy closed the East-West pipeline as a precaution following drone attacks. it.euronews.com · digitalchew.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] A prolonged pipeline blockage could jeopardize approximately 4 million barrels of oil per day, or 4% of global supply. it.euronews.com · www.vg.hu · wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope increases transit times, fuel consumption, and insurance costs. www.nuovogiornalenazionale.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Saudi and Iraqi authorities stated that the drone attacks originated in Iraq. it.euronews.com · digitalchew.com · www.independent.co.uk · mostarski.ba
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Houthi seizure of the port of Mokha is a major game changer for regional stability. www.jutarnji.hr · www.vecernji.ba
- [● 4 SOURCES] The East-West pipeline has a capacity of up to 7 million barrels per day. time.news · mostarski.ba
- [● 19 SOURCES] Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline following drone strikes. digitalchew.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.nbcnews.com · biznis.me · mostarski.ba · +12 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Tadawul All Share Index fell by 0.3% on September 14, 2026. biznis.me
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Saudi foreign ministry attributed the drone attacks to drones originating from Iraq. digitalchew.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.cagliarilivetv.it · mostarski.ba · biznis.me · +3 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Brent crude oil prices rose above $108 per barrel. www.independent.co.uk · www.investingcube.com · www.nuevamineria.com · aberdeenbusinessnews.co.uk · scottishbusinessnews.net · +6 more