Saudi Oil Pipeline Damaged in Drone Attack, Threatening Global Supplies
Satellite imagery shows severe damage to Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, threatening global energy supplies as export reserves dwindle.
New satellite imagery reveals severe damage to Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack, raising concerns over global energy supplies as inventories dwindle. The pipeline, spanning 1,200 kilometers from the country's eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, had served as a vital bypass route avoiding the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Impact on Global Oil Supplies
The Guardian reported that Riyadh risks exhausting its available export reserves within days unless operations resume. Industry sources indicate that the remaining stockpiles will sustain export levels for only five to seven days. While some estimates suggest repairs could take up to six weeks, other sources believe partial operations might resume sooner during ongoing restoration work.
"Saudi Arabia has utilized the pipeline to divert approximately four million barrels per day—about 4% of global supply—to the Red Sea coast, shielding exports from disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz," industry analysts noted.
Regional Diplomatic Efforts
Amid mounting regional tensions, diplomatic maneuvers continue across the Middle East. According to Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar, Egypt has attempted to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis out of concern that instability in the Bab al-Mandab Strait could severely impact traffic through the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, an anticipated summit in Oman aimed at discussing navigation safety and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was canceled at the last minute.
