Why in News?
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline, also known as Petroline, after multiple attacks damaged the critical oil-export infrastructure in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The Saudi Energy Ministry described the shutdown as a precautionary measure while specialised teams assessed the safety of the pipeline.
The development has raised concerns over global energy supplies because the pipeline provides Saudi Arabia with an important alternative route for exporting crude when shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. At the same time, Houthi forces in Yemen captured Mayun (Perim) Island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, adding further security concerns around Red Sea shipping routes.
About East-West Oil Pipeline
The East-West Pipeline, popularly known as Petroline, is a strategically important 1,200-km-long oil pipeline operated by Saudi Aramco. It transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil-producing region, including Abqaiq, to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
The pipeline allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, providing an alternative route for transporting crude oil to markets through the Red Sea. Its maximum capacity is around 7 million barrels per day, although actual flows vary according to market and security conditions.
During periods of severe disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the pipeline becomes particularly important for Saudi oil exports. Recent flows had reached around 4–5 million barrels per day, according to reports, highlighting its significance for regional and global energy security.
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