Saudi Arabia is aiming to restore approximately half the capacity of its cross-country East-West oil pipeline within days, after the link was halted last week due to drone attacks. Full operational capacity for the pipeline is anticipated within about six weeks. This news comes as oil prices continue to decline, with West Texas Intermediate falling towards $102 a barrel and Brent closing below $106, extending the biggest drop in over six weeks. The decline is attributed to signs of easing supply disruptions in the Middle East, despite ongoing regional tensions.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that crude oil should be flowing through the vital East-West Pipeline within days, after Saudi Arabia was forced to temporarily close it following attacks by Iran-aligned groups on September 11, 2026. Wright made these remarks on the sidelines of a G20 energy meeting in Houston, emphasizing that while a detailed assessment is ongoing, the timeline for partial resumption is expected to be measured in days. The U.S. believes Saudi Arabia is also taking steps to move more oil out of the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks on the Saudi pipeline have been linked to Iran-backed Houthi fighters, who have also been conducting drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities. These incidents have escalated the ongoing conflict, extending Tehran's reach and heightening global oil-supply risks. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the prospect of the pipeline's partial restart has contributed to the recent slump in oil prices, as traders anticipate a quicker-than-expected restoration of a key export route for Saudi crude.
