Saudi Aramco Restarts East-West Pipeline Amid Global Oil Supply Concerns

Saudi Arabia's state oil giant Aramco has restarted flows through its crucial East-West crude oil pipeline, restoring part of the kingdom's ability to export oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

The reopening of the 'Petroline' has pushed oil prices lower and eased concerns over global supply disruptions. The pipeline can carry up to 4 million barrels per day from eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

On Tuesday, a cargo bound for China was scheduled to load from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, according to Reuters. Exports from Yanbu could help drive crude oil sales on global oil markets.

The restart marks an important development in the energy crisis triggered by attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure earlier this month. The East-West pipeline is Saudi Arabia's main alternative export route when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz becomes risky.