Saudi Oil Exports Hang in the Balance as Drone Attacks Disable Pipeline

Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline has been forced to suspend operations due to drone attacks, leaving the country racing against time to restore it. The pipeline, which is Saudi Arabia's only major export route capable of bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, had been carrying approximately four million barrels per day, equivalent to around four percent of global oil supply.

The disruption comes as Houthi forces have put Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on a 7-day clock. The Yanbu region currently holds enough crude to sustain exports for only another five to seven days, according to three industry sources who spoke with Reuters.

Complete repairs could reportedly require five to six weeks, although partial pumping may resume earlier. This development adds pressure as disruptions around Hormuz and Houthi advances near Bab el-Mandeb are narrowing Riyadh's remaining export options from both directions.