RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has suspended oil loadings at Yanbu, its main Red Sea petroleum export terminal, after a drone attack forced the kingdom’s strategic East-West pipeline offline, Reuters reported.
Yanbu can normally handle up to five million barrels of oil per day, making the port a crucial outlet for Saudi crude exports. The East-West pipeline carries oil from producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea coast, allowing shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the pipeline reportedly remains offline following the drone attack, preventing normal flows towards the Yanbu export facilities.
Yanbu Disruption Removes Key Alternative to Hormuz
The suspension comes as regional conflicts increasingly threaten several of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, while Ansarullah, also known as the Houthis, has restricted maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Consequently, disruption at Yanbu removes another major route that Saudi Arabia can use to move crude to international markets without relying on Hormuz.
The combined disruptions could significantly tighten global oil supplies if they persist.
Brent Crude Could Climb Above $120
Meanwhile, concerns over prolonged interruptions are increasing expectations of further rises in international crude prices.
Brent crude could climb above $120 per barrel if the disruption continues, according to the estimates cited in reports. Some analysts have warned that prices could potentially reach $130 if regional supply and shipping constraints worsen.
Furthermore, prolonged disruption would increase pressure on importing economies and could raise transportation and energy costs worldwide.
The duration of the Yanbu suspension remains unclear. However, restoring the East-West pipeline would be critical for Saudi Arabia to regain an alternative export route while disruptions continue around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
BREAKING:
Saudi Arabia has suspended oil loadings at Yanbu, its main Red Sea oil port, after attacks on the East-West pipeline – Reuters.
Yanbu can normally handle up to 5 million barrels of oil a day. The pipeline remains offline after the drone attack and provides Saudi… pic.twitter.com/tFG3OwYafn
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) September 15, 2026
