Saudi Arabia reported that recent attacks on its energy infrastructure have significantly reduced oil production and pipeline capacity. The strikes, attributed to Iran, targeted critical facilities, including the East-West Pipeline and production sites like Manifa and Khurais, cutting output by 600,000 barrels per day and pipeline throughput by 700,000 barrels per day. One Saudi national was killed, and seven others were injured in the attacks.
The East-West Pipeline, a vital lifeline for Saudi oil exports, has been crucial since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled 20% of global crude supplies. The pipeline's capacity of 7 million barrels per day has been strained, with the latest attack further disrupting operations. Refineries in Jubail and other locations were also affected.
The conflict, which began after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has escalated with retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. A two-week ceasefire was announced, but tensions remain high, with Iran continuing to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have risen in response to the supply disruptions, highlighting the global impact of the ongoing conflict.