Saudi Pipeline Attack Disrupts Oil Exports Amid Rising Tensions

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy announced the shutdown of its East-West pipeline on September 11, following attacks in Riyadh and Medina. The pipeline connects Saudi oil fields to the Red Sea coastline, allowing for an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz.

The disruption comes as other producers are also reorganizing their export flows. Venezuela is currently discussing its debt and oil exports with financial institutions in New York.

Saudi Aramco pushed the pipeline to its maximum capacity of 7 million barrels per day in Q1 2026, during disruptions to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. However, only 5 million barrels per day are available for export, with the remainder serving domestic consumption.