Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline as Houthis seize strategic Red Sea island

The pipeline has been moving between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent monthsPipeline hit as Red Sea route tightensHouthis seize strategic Red Sea islandSaudi Arabia has shut down its major East-West oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones, as the widening Iran war opened another front around one of the world’s most important energy corridors. By early June, Saudi Arabia had more than doubled oil exports from Yanbu to more than 5 million barrels per day.An early assessment by US officials found that pumping stations located alongside the pipeline were hit. Before the conflict, about 20 million barrels of oil a day passed through Hormuz, representing around a fifth of global supply. With that route disrupted, Saudi Arabia increasingly relied on its East-West pipeline and Red Sea exports.Saudi crude flows through Bab el-Mandeb had already fallen sharply because of Houthi threats. Further disruption could force oil tankers to take much longer routes, increasing shipping costs and adding pressure to global energy prices, which have already surged above $100 a barrel.

Source: Times of India September 12, 2026 01:44 UTC