Saudi Aramco Restores Oil Pipeline After Houthi Drone Attacks

Saudi Aramco is working to restore approximately half of the capacity of a critical 1,200km oil pipeline within days. The conduit, which runs from the Abqaiq oilfield to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea, was halted last week after drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces damaged a pumping station.

The state-run company is currently bypassing a damaged section of the route to resume partial operations, with the goal of returning the pipeline to full capability in approximately six weeks. The disruption affected up to 4% of the global oil supply, contributing to global inflation and pushing Brent crude prices above $109 per barrel.

The pipeline serves as a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where oil traffic has nearly halted due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. Further complicating Saudi export routes, Houthi forces have captured the strategic island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.