Saudi Arabia has shut its 1,200-km (745-mile) East-West pipeline following Sept. 11, 2026, drone attacks. Saudi officials said the drones were launched from Iraq but have not disclosed the extent of any injuries or damage or provided a timetable for repairs. Satellite imagery released Sept. 13 appeared to show substantial damage to a pumping station along the pipeline.

East-West, which has a maximum design capacity of 7 million b/d, had been operating at 2 million b/d in August according to Kpler, as increased Houthi attacks in and around Bab El-Mandeb reduced Red Sea traffic. Earlier in the Iran war, flows had been 4-5 million b/d, with the pipeline serving as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz for Saudi exports.

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Saudi oil buyers and traders told Reuters that stocks at Red Sea terminals could support exports for 5-7 days if the pipeline remains out of service. A prolonged shutdown could remove as much as 4% of global oil supply, according to market estimates. Repair estimates have ranged from several days to as long as 6 weeks.

Saudi Arabia reported to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that its crude production declined to 6.2 million b/d in August, down from 10.9 million b/d in February. Overall OPEC+ crude production fell 1.5 million b/d in August to 33.1 million b/d. Production from the 17 quota-bound OPEC+ members declined 980,000 b/d to 27 million b/d, 7.3 million b/d below their August target. On Sept. 6, OPEC+ agreed to maintain October production targets at September levels.

Global oil prices climbed sharply Sept. 14 in the wake of the shutdown. Brent crude futures rose above $108/bbl, reaching levels not seen since May, before retreating. The benchmark has risen roughly 50% since the start of the war in late February. US West Texas Intermediate also moved above $100/bbl.