Attack on Saudi Arabia: major oil pipeline shut down

A drone attack on the important East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia led to the pipeline being temporarily shut down. The attack is said to have been carried out from Iraqi territory.

 

The 1,200-kilometer-long pipeline connects the Abqaiq oil field in the east of the country to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy announced that it had closed the pipeline as a precautionary measure.

 

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there were injuries and damage as a result of the attack. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

 

The Iraqi government condemned the attack and stated that it would not allow its territory to be used to carry out attacks against other countries. Iraqi Prime Minister ordered an investigation into the activities of the security operations command in Maysan province and dismissed its commander. Iraq also temporarily closed the Shalamcheh border crossing on the border with Iran.

 

Riyadh stated that, at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister, it would "for now" not retaliate, but reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its interests.

 

The East-West pipeline is of strategic importance for Saudi Arabia. In recent months, it has transported 4–5 million barrels of oil per day, which equals about 4–5 percent of global oil supply.

 

The pipeline is considered an important alternative route, especially in conditions of disruptions related to oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Its closure could put additional pressure on the global energy market and lead to an increase in oil prices.

 

According to analysts, Saudi Arabia's alternative options to quickly compensate for losses in oil exports caused by the pipeline closure are limited. The country may try to export part of its oil through Egypt, via the Suez Canal or the SUMED pipeline.