Saudi Oil Pipeline Damaged in Houthi Militia Attack May Take Weeks to Restore

RIYADH: A major section of Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline could remain out of operation for three to five weeks following last week’s attack, according to two Saudi officials familiar with the situation.

The officials, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said repairs could take several weeks because the damage includes a major pumping centre.

They said authorities had instructed officials familiar with the repairs not to discuss the matter publicly.

According to the officials, limited quantities of crude could continue moving through some sections of the pipeline while repair work is underway.

However, restoring the pipeline to its full capacity could take three to five weeks, they said.

The pipeline is around 1,200 kilometres long, extending from Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast to its western coastline, and has a capacity of approximately 7 million barrels of oil per day.

The East-West pipeline is strategically important for Saudi Arabia because it allows the Kingdom to transport crude to Red Sea ports without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

The route has become even more important as shipping through the Strait has been disrupted amid escalating regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia closed the pipeline on Thursday as a precaution following the reported drone attacks.

Saudi Arabia has blamed the attacks on Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

The accusations have not been independently verified, while the groups involved have not, in the information provided, accepted responsibility for the strikes.

The incident has added another layer of uncertainty to regional energy supplies as Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain crude exports through Red Sea routes despite disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

A prolonged shutdown of the pipeline could create additional pressure on global oil markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is already facing severe disruption, while international crude prices have remained above $100 per barrel.

If repairs take several weeks and full pipeline capacity cannot be restored quickly, concerns over available supplies could intensify and potentially push oil prices higher.

The situation has therefore increased attention on Saudi Arabia’s alternative export infrastructure and the wider security of energy routes across the Middle East.