Saudi Aramco Restarts East-West Pipeline Exports After Drone Strike Repairs

Saudi Arabia has resumed crude oil exports through its East-West Pipeline after repairs following drone strikes on September 11. The pipeline, which spans over 1,200 kilometers, was damaged in a reported strike and satellite imagery showed extensive damage to a pumping station southeast of Madinah.

Before resuming exports, Saudi Aramco tested the pipeline and gradually restored crude flows. Export shipments have now resumed, according to people familiar with the matter. The East-West Pipeline has a capacity of about 7 million barrels per day, with around 2 million barrels directed to refineries on Saudi Arabia's west coast and the remaining capacity available for exports.

The pipeline provides an alternative route for Saudi Arabia to transport crude oil to the Red Sea when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Riyadh has increased crude shipments through the waterway this month, in addition to resuming East-West Pipeline exports.

Saudi Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser stated that the company has operational flexibility and logistical capabilities to meet customer commitments despite geopolitical disruptions. He also mentioned that the company is exploring additional export routes and expanding storage capacity outside Saudi Arabia to support supplies to global markets.