Satellite image reveals major damage that shut crucial oil pipeline
Experts tell BBC Verify the pipeline's closure could cut oil supplies by as much as 3.6 million barrels per day.
Satellite imagery has revealed significant damage to a vital oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia following a strike last week, which experts predict could take between four to six weeks to repair and may force oil prices even higher. The East-West Pipeline, which has become an increasingly crucial route for exporting crude oil via the Red Sea due to attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, was severely impacted.
Saudi Arabia attributes the damage to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, who have been engaging in renewed missile and drone attacks on southwestern Saudi Arabia. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia has carried out strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen. Furthermore, satellite images have also shown damage to King Khalid Air Base, another key target of recent Houthi strikes.
Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond firmly to further attacks by the Houthis. The Houthi group's recent territorial gains in southwestern Yemen, including areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab waterway, have strengthened their ability to enforce a blockade on Saudi shipping. Consequently, the price of a barrel of oil has soared, reaching $108 (£80) on Tuesday, down slightly from $109.80 on Monday.
Trade intelligence firm Kpler warns that the closure of the pipeline could reduce oil supplies by up to 3.6 million barrels per day, or approximately 3.6% of global demand.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
