Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its strategic East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, raising concerns over further disruption to global crude supplies amid the widening Middle East confl ict.
The 1,200-km pipeline, which links the kingdom’s oil fi elds to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has become a critical alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
It has recently carried around 4 million barrels per day, equivalent to roughly 4% of global oil supply.
Saudi authorities said the shutdown was a precautionary measure after the attack caused damage and injuries.
Riyadh and Baghdad said the drones originated in Iraq, while Iraq ordered an investigation and dismissed a military commander in response.
The disruption came as Houthi forces expanded their presence around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another major shipping chokepoint.
The attacks on the pipeline and the strategic Perim Island heightened concerns over the security of alternative oil-export routes.