Aden
Saudi Arabia has shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after an aerial attack, raising concerns over crude supplies as the Middle East war intensifies. The pipeline, which crosses the Arabian Peninsula, has become important because fighting has severely disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Energy Ministry said the closure was a precautionary measure after a drone attack that Saudi Arabia and Iraq said originated in Iraq. The strike caused injuries and damage, which authorities were assessing. Satellite images showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina.
The pipeline has recently transported an estimated 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude per day, equivalent to roughly 4% to 5% of oil supply. Its closure could tighten a strained market, particularly because it provides Riyadh with an alternative route to export terminals on the Red Sea.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. US President Donald Trump said Iran was probably behind the attack, while adding that he expected the war to end after the November midterm elections and oil prices to fall.
The development came as oil prices climbed during the past week and US diesel prices crossed $6 a gallon for the first time. Meanwhile, Iran, the United States and Iran-aligned Houthi forces have increased attacks involving Gulf and Red Sea shipping.
Seizure of Yemen’s strategic Perim Island by the Houthis has added to concerns about the Bab el-Mandeb route. Together, the attacks threaten energy corridors and could deepen pressure on fuel prices.