Saudi Arabia closes East-West pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea
Saudi Arabia on Saturday shut down the vital East-West pipeline after the conduit came under attack in the widening Middle East war, threatening to send energy prices soaring. The 1,200-km pipeline has served as the main route out for global supplies of Middle East oil for the past six months while the Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut by war.
Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West pipeline after a drone attack, according to reports. The 1,200-km pipeline, which has been serving as the main route for global supplies of Middle East oil for the past six months while the Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut due to war, was temporarily closed as a precaution.
The attack, which both Baghdad and Riyadh said originated in Iraq, resulted in some injuries and damage. According to Hindustan Times, the pipeline was moving 4 million to 5 million barrels per day, amounting to 4% to 5% of global supply.
US President Donald Trump said Iran was probably to blame for the attack, although there was no immediate claim of responsibility. The incident has raised concerns about potential increases in energy prices. Kenya, for example, may face a fresh fuel-price threat due to the pipeline's shutdown, according to People Daily Kenya.
Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Ajel English, Hindustan Times - World News, People Daily Kenya, Channel News Asia — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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