Saudi Arabia shuts down East–West oil pipeline following attacks

On Thursday, September 11, 2026, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy announced the temporary closure of the strategic East–West pipeline, also known as Petroline, following a series of attacks near Riyadh and Medina. According to state media, the strikes resulted in multiple injuries, necessitating medical intervention for those affected. Satellite imagery verified by Reuters confirmed the presence of smoke near the pipeline’s route, highlighting the immediate physical impact of the strikes.

The East–West pipeline is a critical piece of energy infrastructure, designed to transport crude oil from the kingdom’s eastern regions to the Red Sea. Its operation has become increasingly vital as regional conflicts have significantly disrupted maritime traffic. Specifically, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed, with daily commercial ship traffic dropping to just seven vessels on Thursday compared to a pre-war average of 125. By bypassing the strait, the Petroline serves as a primary alternative for Saudi oil exports, making its current shutdown a significant development for global energy security.

The Saudi government has not yet provided a timeline for resuming operations, and investigations into the perpetrators and the extent of the damage are ongoing.