Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline Expected to Restart Soon

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that Saudi Arabia's vital East-West pipeline will likely be operational within days, following attacks by Iran-aligned groups. The pipeline, which carries Middle Eastern oil, has been shut down since the US war on Iran began in February.

The 1,200-kilometre pipeline has served as a main route out for global supplies of Middle Eastern oil while the Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed by the US war with Iran. The pipeline had been moving 4-5 million barrels per day, amounting to 4% to 5% of global supply.

Wright stated that Saudi Arabia is taking steps to move more oil out of the Strait of Hormuz with assistance from the US military. Washington has so far resisted Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence support.