Why Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline matters for global oil

The 1,200km (745 mile) pipeline has been temporarily closed, affecting up to 5 percent of global oil supply.

x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info This handout satellite image released by Vantor shows a view of a pumping station along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline in al-Mesabaah, southeast of Medina, on September 13, 2026, following an attack and resulting fires [Photo by Satellite image ©2026 Vantor/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 2026 In another blow to global oil markets, drones struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline last Thursday, prompting the kingdom to suspend operations.