Satellite images show extent of damage to major Saudi pipeline, amid global oil supply fears

Live updates

1. 17h ago

   Saudi East-West Pipeline Shutdown Threatens 4% of Global Oil Supply

   A drone attack has shut down Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, a critical route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The outage threatens a loss of 4% of the global oil supply, triggering a surge in oil prices and pushing diesel to a new all-time high. While a US energy chief stated the pipe will reopen soon, other reports indicate it will remain out of service for weeks. Baghdad has confirmed the attack originated from Iraqi territory, adding to a growing list of security threats facing the kingdom.

   Why it matters

   The East-West pipeline is vital for Saudi Arabia to export oil without relying on the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Current instability is compounded by Houthi rebels seizing islands in the southern Red Sea and stalled diplomacy regarding Hormuz proposals.

   What is confirmed

   • The Saudi East-West pipeline is shut down following a drone attack.
   • The pipeline outage threatens a loss of 4% of the global oil supply.
   • Oil prices have risen following the shutdown of the critical pipeline.
   • Satellite images show the extent of the damage to the pipeline.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Saudi Arabia may be days away from being unable to export much oil.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the pipeline's operational status from Saudi officials
   • Diplomatic response to Baghdad's confirmation of the attack origin
   • Outcome of the postponed meeting on the Strait of Hormuz proposal
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. AP News — Saudi Arabia has few options as it faces mounting threats from Iran and its allies
   2. CNN — Trump says Iran likely responsible for attack on vital Saudi oil pipeline
   3. dw.com — Baghdad confirms attack on Saudi pipeline came from Iraq
   4. Reuters — Saudi pipeline outage threatens loss of 4% of global oil supply
   5. NBC News — Hormuz, Houthis and pipeline strikes: Saudi Arabia’s list of big problems is growing
   6. CNBC — Oil prices rise after Saudi Arabia shut down critical pipeline that bypasses Strait of Hormuz
   7. Bloomberg.com — Oil Jumps as Shutdown of Saudi Pipeline Deepens Energy Crisis
   8. Reuters — Diplomacy stumbles with postponement of meeting on Strait of Hormuz proposal
   9. The Guardian — Satellite images show extent of damage to major Saudi pipeline, amid global oil supply fears
   10. WSJ — Oil Prices Rise as Saudi East-West Pipeline Attack Threatens Export Routes
   11. AP News — Yemen's Houthi rebels seize more key islands in southern Red Sea, tighten grip on shipping routes
   12. CNBC — Satellite images show extent of damage to Saudi Arabia’s oil pipeline that bypasses Strait of Hormuz
   confidence 85%