Saudi Oil Exports Face Fresh Pressure as Pipeline Closes and Strait Remains Blocked
Saudi Arabia's oil export troubles have deepened as attacks on its East-West pipeline and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely impacted the kingdom's ability to move crude. The 1,200-km East-West pipeline was a vital link between eastern Saudi Arabia's oil fields and the Yanbu terminal on the Red Sea.
The pipeline had become increasingly important after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the Middle East war, disrupting Saudi Arabia's main oil export route. However, an alternative route through the Red Sea has also been compromised due to Houthi attacks from Yemen and a maritime blockade targeting vessels serving Saudi ports.
The closure of the East-West pipeline exposes another vulnerability in Saudi Arabia's efforts to maintain its oil exports. Robert Mogielnicki of the Arab Gulf States Institute said, 'The East-West pipeline is a critical energy artery for Saudi Arabia, especially within the current geopolitical context.'