Saudi Oil Pipeline Damage Exposes Global Supply Chain Vulnerability

A key oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been damaged by drones, forcing the kingdom to suspend operations. The East-West pipeline, which spans 1,200km (746 miles) and carries up to 7 million barrels of oil per day, is crucial for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The attack, which caused damage and injuries, was blamed on drones from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

The shutdown has added pressure to global oil supply, with repair work expected to take three to five weeks. Partial operations may resume during repairs, but the prolonged disruption is a significant concern for traders. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy described the shutdown as a 'precautionary' measure.