Saudi Arabia resumes oil exports via East-West pipeline after drone attack repairs

Saudi Arabia has resumed oil exports through a major pipeline running across the country, following repairs after it was damaged in a drone attack on September 10, according to a source familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.

Sources said that Saudi Aramco tested the East-West pipeline last week, increasing pressure in preparation for resuming flows by the weekend.

A source involved in operations confirmed that shipments designated for export have already resumed through the pipeline. Neither Aramco nor the Ministry of Energy has issued an official statement so far.

Restarting the East-West pipeline provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative export route, which was previously used during the Iran war, at a time when Saudi exports through the Strait of Hormuz have risen this month.

The pipeline’s return to service is also expected to offer some relief to buyers seeking to secure oil supplies.