Iran War: Drone Strike Hits Saudi Arabia’s Key East-West Oil Pipeline; Full Story Here
A drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s vital East-West oil pipeline has raised fresh concerns over global energy security, highlighting risks to key infrastructure even as ceasefire efforts aim to ease tensions.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s critical East-West oil pipeline, also known as Petroline, has reportedly been struck in a drone attack, raising fresh concerns over global energy security.
According to reports, the 1,200-kilometre pipeline operated by Saudi Aramco serves as a vital alternative route for crude oil shipments, especially during disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline runs from Abqaiq on the Gulf coast to Yanbu on the Red Sea, allowing oil exports to bypass the heavily contested waterway.
With a capacity of up to 7 million barrels per day, Petroline is considered one of the most significant safeguards against supply shocks. The Strait of Hormuz typically handles nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption, making any alternative route crucial during geopolitical tensions.
Recent data highlights the pipeline’s growing importance. Oil flows through Petroline surged from approximately 770,000 barrels per day earlier this year to nearly 2.9 million barrels per day by the end of last month, helping stabilize global markets amid ongoing disruptions.
The reported drone strike comes at a sensitive time. Despite escalating tensions in the region, Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Wednesday, signaling a potential pause in hostilities.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi suggested that transit through the Strait of Hormuz could resume during the ceasefire period on the condition that the United States halts military operations against Iran.
The attack underscores the continued vulnerability of key energy infrastructure, even as diplomatic efforts attempt to ease tensions. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to Petroline could significantly impact global oil supply and further strain already volatile markets.
