Story
Saudi Arabia Restarts East-West Pipeline, Prepares to Resume Yanbu Exports
Summary
The key pipeline, shut down by drone attacks on Sept. 13, has resumed operations at a low rate, with crude loadings from the Red Sea port of Yanbu potentially restarting soon, according to sources.
Saudi Arabia has restarted operations at its critical East-West Pipeline, which was shut down earlier this month following drone attacks. The move paves the way for the resumption of crude oil exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, according to three sources briefed on the matter who spoke with Reuters.
Operational Status
The pipeline resumed pumping on Tuesday, though initially at a low rate, two of the sources said. They added that crude exports from the Yanbu terminal could restart later the same day.
State-owned energy giant Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for official comment on the pipeline's status. The information comes from sources familiar with the operations.
AdContext and Market Impact
The restart marks a significant step in restoring Saudi Arabia's full export capacity. The East-West Pipeline was forced to shut down on September 13 after drone attacks, which immediately halted all crude loadings at the Yanbu port.
The pipeline is a strategic piece of infrastructure, allowing the kingdom to transport crude from its eastern oilfields to the Red Sea. This provides an alternative export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. A return to normal operations at Yanbu is a closely watched development for global energy markets, as it helps restore stability to supply chains.
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