4% of global oil supply threatened by Saudi pipeline closure

There are concerns the forced shutdown of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline could last for weeks, affecting global oil supplies.

Saudi Arabia says drones launched from Iraq hit the major oil pipeline and led to its closure last week.

Saudi officials are yet to provide details about the extent of the damage, but sources have told the Associated Press that the pipeline could be closed for weeks.

Saudi oil buyers and traders say the country could run out of oil stocks for export within days.

This combination of handout satellite images taken by Planet Labs PBC and created on September 11, 2026 shows a general view of an infrastructure site southeast of Medina along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline (Petroline) on September 6, 2026 (top) and the same site on September 11, 2026 after it was damaged by fire.(AFP: Planet Labs/Handout)