Suspension of Oil Transfer from Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline Due to Ansarullah Attacks

The suspension of the East-West pipeline operations in Saudi Arabia due to Ansarullah attacks in Yemen has created a significant shift in the oil market. This pipeline, which is 1200 kilometers long, transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern fields to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, with a capacity to transfer 7 million barrels per day. Its operations have been completely halted due to recent attacks, raising concerns among Aramco's customers.

Impact of Ansarullah Attacks on the Oil Market

According to reports, the suspension of this pipeline has led to panic buying by some customers. The Polish company Orlen, for example, has held more than 10 tenders for its oil needs since last Friday. This situation reflects the direct impact of Ansarullah's attacks on the oil market, leading to rising prices.

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Timeline for Return to Normalcy

Despite the suspension of the pipeline, informed sources have stated that this pipeline will partially resume operations within a few days and is expected to return to full operational status within 6 weeks. Previously, an informed source told Reuters that complete repairs of this pipeline could take about 5 to 6 weeks. This news may create hopes for a return to normalcy in the oil market.

The company Vortexa, specialized in energy data analysis and maritime transport tracking, has announced that no oil shipments have left the port of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia since September 11, 2026 (20 Shahrivar 1405). This news came after last Thursday's attacks by Yemeni armed forces, which led to the shutdown of the vital East-West pipeline and paralyzed oil transport and exports along the Saudi western coast.

Economic and Political Consequences

Western media have also reported fuel shortages in European countries and a roughly 20% increase in crude oil prices this month. This situation has been exacerbated by ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the shutdown of the vital Saudi oil pipeline due to the war with Ansarullah in Yemen. Given the importance of this pipeline in supplying oil to global markets, any disruption will quickly impact prices and may lead to increased costs in European countries.

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