Saudi East-West oil pipeline back to normal after attack reports

Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline is back to normal operations, according to a Bloomberg report released Monday. Earlier in the day, reports had suggested that a new attack on a pumping station in Khurais had caused extensive damage and halted oil flows. However, Bloomberg cited sources familiar with the matter, confirming that oil continues to move through the pipeline without interruption.

Saudi Aramco had recently increased flows through the pipeline to over 80% of its 7 million-barrel-per-day capacity. After supplying refineries on the west coast, around 4.5 million barrels per day were available for export. The pipeline is a crucial route, connecting eastern oil fields with the Red Sea coast and allowing crude exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices had initially risen by as much as 1.2% following the earlier reports of an attack. However, gains were pared back after Bloomberg’s update on the pipeline’s normal operations. Neither Saudi Aramco nor the Energy Ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.

This is not the first time the pipeline has faced disruptions. On Sept. 10, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed attacks on the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, which led to a precautionary shutdown.