Oil prices fall for third session as Saudi pipeline recovery eases supply fears

Oil prices dipped for the third consecutive day as Saudi Arabia's pipeline recovery efforts eased concerns over Middle East supply disruptions, according to wire reports. Brent crude settled at US$104.82 per barrel, with traders optimistic about a partial restoration of East-West pipeline capacity and increased utilization of alternative export routes.

The 1,200-kilometre pipeline, a vital alternative route for Saudi oil exports, is expected to resume full operations within six weeks after the recent attack damaged three pumping stations.

As the conflict remains unresolved, Saudi Arabia is rerouting some crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz, using shuttle vessels to transport oil before transferring it to waiting tankers outside the waterway. Meanwhile, China reportedly urged Iran to assist in curbing Yemen's Houthis, following a plea from Riyadh. The prospect of diplomatic efforts potentially containing the conflict and restoring energy flows has boosted sentiment in the oil market, despite ongoing risks to the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

US President Donald Trump weighed the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran ahead of a meeting with Gulf leaders in New York. However, the US dollar remained firm near a seven-week high, buoyed by the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75%-4%, marking the first increase in over three years.

The unanimous decision came as the Fed signaled further tightening, with 16 of the 18 policymakers projecting at least one more rate hike by the end of 2026. The Bank of England was expected to maintain rates, while the Bank of Japan was scheduled to decide on monetary policy on Friday.