Saudi Aramco suspends European crude supply after East-West pipeline attack

RIYADH, Sept. 18 (YPA) – Saudi Aramco has informed at least two oil refining customers in Europe that they will receive no crude oil next month following an attack on the kingdom’s main pipeline to the Red Sea, according to a report from Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Saudi Energy Ministry said the suspension of pumping operations in the Riyadh and Madinah regions was a precautionary measure to secure the site and assess the damage.

Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline last week after a drone attack. The line is expected to partially restart within days and return to full operation within six weeks, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

The disruption is expected to affect European energy security, with the continent importing around 577,000 barrels of Saudi crude per day through June.

Industry observers said the disruption could further tighten oil supplies from the Middle East, increasing volatility in global oil prices.

Sanaa’s military spokesperson said they had carried out the attack using a number of drones, confirming that the pumping stations along the East-West Pipeline were accurately targeted and warning of further attacks on vital infrastructure.

@E.Y.M