Saudi Oil Pipeline Shutdown Threatens Global Supply as Houthi Rebels Expand Control

The recent drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has severely damaged one of its pumping stations, shutting down operations and leaving the kingdom vulnerable to exhausting export stocks within days. The pipeline, which spans over 1,200 kilometers from eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu on the Red Sea, had been transporting around 4 million barrels a day - roughly 4% of global oil supply.

Satellite images show extensive damage to the facility, with one source estimating repairs could take up to six weeks. However, another industry expert suggests partial operations may resume before repairs are completed. If the pipeline remains offline, Saudi Arabia's readily available export stocks could deplete within five to seven days, exacerbating global supply concerns and driving fuel prices higher.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels have expanded their control over key islands in the southern Red Sea, further threatening shipping routes connecting the region to the Gulf of Aden. The development adds pressure on two critical energy chokepoints: Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.