A major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline damaged in an attack last week could remain largely offline for several weeks while repairs are carried out.
According to the Associated Press, two regional officials said work on the East-West Pipeline may take between three and five weeks to complete.
Saudi East-West Pipeline Faces Extended Shutdown
The East-West Pipeline stretches around 1,200 kilometers across Saudi Arabia and can transport as much as 7 million barrels of oil per day.
It plays an important role in Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure because it allows crude oil to be transported toward export terminals on the Red Sea.
This route also provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative to sending oil through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
Drone Attack Forces Pipeline Offline
Saudi authorities blamed Thursday’s attack on drones operated by Iranian-backed militias based in Iraq.
The incident forced operations along the pipeline to shut down.
Damage reportedly affected a major pumping facility, creating the need for extensive repairs before normal operations can fully resume.
Repairs Could Take Up to Five Weeks
Two officials briefed on the situation told the Associated Press that repairs are expected to take between three and five weeks.
However, the pipeline could potentially resume operations at reduced capacity before all repair work is completed.
Both officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
Oil Markets React to Saudi Supply Concerns
Oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as traders assessed the potential impact of the disruption on global energy supplies.
Brent crude futures rose more than 4.5% to around $109.30 per barrel.
U.S. crude prices also advanced approximately 4.4% to $104.45 per barrel.
The rally reflects growing concern over supply risks in the Middle East, particularly as regional tensions continue to threaten key oil infrastructure and shipping routes.
Saudi Pipeline Disruption Adds to Energy Market Risks
The extended shutdown highlights the importance of Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline as an alternative export route during periods of instability in the Persian Gulf.
Any prolonged reduction in its capacity could increase pressure on global oil markets, especially if other major transport routes face disruption at the same time.
Traders will now be watching the repair timeline closely for signs of when the pipeline can return to full operation.
