Saudi East-West oil pipeline resumes normal operations after attack

Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline is reportedly operating normally despite recent disruptions. This follows a report that the pipeline had temporarily shut down after a fresh attack on a pumping station along its route over the weekend. According to sources familiar with the matter, oil continues to flow through the conduit, though they requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.

The pipeline was initially halted following a strike on a pumping station, as reported by AFP on Monday (Oct 5), citing an unidentified source in the kingdom’s energy sector. Neither Saudi Aramco nor the energy ministry has commented on the situation. Oil prices, which had spiked by as much as 1.2% after the initial report, eased following confirmation of the pipeline's normal operations.

Aramco had increased supplies through the seven-million-barrel-a-day pipeline to over 80% of capacity by late last week, restoring much of its capacity after a drone attack in September. The pipeline has been essential in maintaining oil flow during the Iran war, providing an alternative to risky journeys via the Strait of Hormuz. As of last week, about 4.5 million barrels a day of oil were available for exports after accounting for domestic refinery needs.

The Red Sea route has faced increasing pressure due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants on tankers and Saudi infrastructure. The conflict in Yemen has escalated, with the internationally recognized government launching a military campaign to recapture Houthi-held territory after weeks of rising tensions.