Saudi Arabia shuts down critical East-West oil pipeline following drone attacks

On September 11, 2026, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations of the strategic East-West (Petroline) pipeline following a series of drone attacks. The pipeline, which transports oil from the eastern regions to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, serves as a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes resulted in an unspecified number of injuries and prompted international concern regarding global energy security, as the pipeline carries approximately 4% of the world's daily oil supply.

Investigations revealed that the drones were launched from the Misan province in southern Iraq. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi dismissed the province's military commander and ordered the closure of three border crossings with Iran to facilitate an investigation into the launch sites. Riyadh has announced it will not retaliate at this stage, following a formal request from Baghdad, though it retains the right to defend its infrastructure.

Analysts warn that if the pipeline is not repaired within days, global supply chains will face significant strain, potentially driving record-high oil prices even further. While official damage reports are pending, market sources suggest that repairs could take between five to six weeks. Currently, reserves at Yanbu and Egyptian terminals are sufficient to sustain exports for only five to seven days.