RIYADH : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reportedly informed some European refiners that crude shipments scheduled for late September could be cancelled or delayed following the shutdown of its strategic East–West oil pipeline after drone attacks.
The 1,200-km pipeline carries crude from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, providing an alternative route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption is linked to drone attacks, which forced the suspension of oil pumping through the strategic East–West pipeline to the Red Sea on September 11.
The situation is further complicated by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and ongoing security risks around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Its closure has increased pressure on Saudi Arabia’s ability to maintain exports to international markets.
Reports say at least three European refiners have faced cancellations or postponements of late-September cargoes.
Saudi Aramco has not publicly commented on the reported cancellations.
The disruption comes amid wider security risks affecting the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global oil supplies and further volatility in crude prices.
