Saudi East-West Crude Pipeline Resumes Operations 13 Days After Drone Attack

Add preferred source Saudi Arabia's East-West crude pipeline, which runs across the country, resumed limited operations on the 22nd, roughly two weeks after a drone attack on the 10th of this month forced a shutdown. The pipeline is part of an alternative export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, transporting Saudi crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Flow rates have not yet returned to pre-attack levels, with capacity expected to recover to 40% within several days and full restoration projected to take six to eight weeks. While the resumption could lead to renewed crude exports from Yanbu Port, a full recovery of supply capacity will still take time. Key Elements Saudi Arabia Strait of Hormuz Yanbu Port Reuters drone attack Saudi Arabia's East-West crude pipeline, which traverses the country, has resumed limited operations roughly two weeks after a drone attack forced a shutdown.