Understanding the East-West Line and Its Detainment
The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced that the vital East-West pipeline, which transports oil from Bqayq to Yanbu over approximately 1,200 kilometers, was targeted multiple times by drones coming from Iraq on September 10, 2026. These attacks resulted in injuries and damages, leading to its precautionary suspension for inspection and safety measures. The pipeline is considered one of Saudi Arabia's most strategic oil transportation infrastructures, especially as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased. Its capacity reaches around 7 million barrels per day. However, data showed that actual flows through Yanbu were lower, ranging from 2.9 to 3.7 million barrels daily in September. The stoppage does not mean an immediate loss of 7 million barrels per day, as that figure represents the pipeline’s maximum capacity, not the current export volume. Nevertheless, it threatens the ability to export oil via the western coast and highlights the pipeline’s importance as a strategic alternative to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with a potentially limited impact on local fuel supplies within Saudi Arabia.
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