Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended operations on its East-West pipeline after a drone attack that Iraqi authorities said originated from an Iraqi province near the border with Iran.
The pipeline, which stretches for about 1,200 kilometres, is one of Saudi Arabia’s main routes for transporting oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Saudi government said the shutdown was taken as a precaution after the attack caused damage to the infrastructure and left several people injured.
Satellite images showed signs of fire damage and smoke near the area that was hit.
Iraq confirmed that the drones were launched from Maysan province and announced the dismissal of the military commander responsible for operations in the region.
Iraqi authorities have also launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Saudi Arabia said it does not currently intend to respond militarily, following an appeal from the Iraqi Prime Minister.
Riyadh also said it would support Baghdad’s efforts to prevent further attacks from being launched from Iraqi territory against neighbouring countries.
The pipeline is strategically important to the international energy market because it allows Saudi Arabia to transport oil to the Red Sea while reducing its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
According to data cited by Reuters, the pipeline has been carrying between 4% and 5% of the world’s oil supply.
The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and armed groups backed by Tehran.
Developments in Yemen have also increased pressure on major oil transport routes following advances by the Houthis in strategic areas near the Red Sea.
The combination of these developments has already pushed international oil prices higher, with crude trading above $100 per barrel.
Experts warn that prolonged disruption to major transport routes could lead to further increases in oil and diesel prices, raising transport costs and the prices of other goods.
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