Aramco begins partial restart of East-West Pipeline as Yanbu books a cargo

Saudi Aramco has put in place the technical means for a partial restart of its East-West Pipeline, which was badly damaged in a drone attack on 11 September. The line is now running at reduced capacity or is about to, and one crude export loading has already been scheduled at Yanbu, the kingdom's key Red Sea export hub.

The interim target is a transfer rate of about four million barrels a day. That is enough to supply Saudi Arabia's own refineries along the Red Sea coast, with a small amount left over for export. The pipeline's nameplate capacity is seven million barrels a day, and getting back to it could take as long as six weeks.

The limit is mechanical. Three pumping stations were damaged in the attack and have to be restored before the line can run at full rate. The remaining eight stations are enough to move crude at a reduced rate, with temporary line sections reconnected.

The pipeline matters to tanker markets because it is Saudi Arabia's route for moving crude to the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. When it stopped, loadings at Yanbu were suspended, taking a Red Sea outlet out of the market at the same time as Gulf exports faced the Iranian blockade.

Restored flow has already moved prices. Brent crude, which spiked to $108 a barrel in the week before, had fallen back to $98 on 22 September. The pipeline is one of several factors behind the fall: loading volumes at Ras Tanura have been increasing, there are signs that the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is weakening, and new diplomatic talks to resolve the Iran conflict are possible.

For tanker owners, the interim rate sets the limit on Red Sea liftings. About four million barrels a day covers Saudi Arabia's own Red Sea refineries first, so export cargoes from Yanbu stay limited until the three damaged stations are back in service.

This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 25 September 2026.