Saudi Pipeline Restored After Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia has restored crude flow through its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks forced a shutdown. The pipeline, which carries around 4 million barrels of crude per day, was taken offline on September 13 following the drone strikes.

The disruption had significant impacts on global oil prices, with Brent crude futures declining by more than $2 a barrel to their lowest level since September 8. However, the resumption of pipeline operations is expected to alleviate some of this pressure.

Saudi Arabia has been using the pipeline to transport crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and bypass disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict involving Iran.

While pumping has returned, it remains below normal levels. Saudi Aramco is working to restore flows to about 4 million barrels per day, while a security source said returning to full capacity could take several weeks.