Overview
- The East–West Petroline was shut on Sept. 12 after drone and aerial attacks damaged pumping stations, stopping regular loadings at the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- Aramco and traders have kept flows moving by rerouting crude through Gulf terminals and using ship‑to‑ship transfers while emergency repair work proceeded.
- Multiple reports on Sept. 22 say Aramco is preparing to restart loadings at Yanbu at a reduced, low pumping rate, though formal confirmation from Saudi authorities has not been issued.
- Markets reacted to the restart reports with selling that pushed Brent down more than $2 a barrel, reflecting relief that supply pressure may ease but also recognition that full capacity is not yet restored.
- Experts warn full restoration could take days to weeks because at least one pumping station was visibly destroyed and others were damaged, raising repair and security challenges and keeping insurance and shipping costs elevated.