Saudi Aramco has brought its East-West pipeline back into operation less than two weeks following strikes that disabled the 7 million barrel-per-day system, according to reports from this week. The pipeline has served as a crucial conduit for Saudi crude exports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of the conflict. The company is currently operating the line at diminished throughput, targeting approximately 4 million bpd while gradually increasing volumes.
Tanker operations at Yanbu have begun resuming, with satellite imagery and market sources confirming vessels are loading cargo. However, regular export flows remain below normal levels. Aramco informed European refineries that it must first accumulate sufficient crude inventory at the terminal before full export operations can resume. Several tankers scheduled to commence loading on September 23 did not do so, with additional vessels slated for late September.
Data providers indicate the pipeline sustained limited structural damage from the attacks, with the primary impact concentrated on pumping infrastructure. At minimum one pumping station sustained substantial harm, prompting Aramco to implement a temporary workaround while pursuing permanent restoration. Earlier assessments had projected four to six weeks would be required for complete repairs, factoring in equipment damage and lead times for replacement parts. Prior to the assault, the pipeline was conveying approximately 5.5 million bpd overall, with around 4.5 million bpd allocated for Yanbu exports.
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