Kathmandu, September 12 — A drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s strategically important East-West oil pipeline has raised fresh concerns over energy security in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended operations of the pipeline as a precautionary measure following the attack, raising fears that global crude oil supplies could be affected and prices could rise further.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, several drones believed to have been launched from Iraq targeted the pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. Saudi authorities said the attack injured several people and caused damage to the pipeline and related infrastructure.
Following the incident, the Saudi Energy Ministry suspended the pipeline’s operations and deployed technical and security teams to assess the damage. Repair and safety inspection work is underway, but authorities have not provided a clear timeline for when the pipeline will fully resume operations.
The East-West pipeline is a strategically important part of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure. Stretching roughly 1,200 kilometers, it transports crude oil from the country’s eastern production areas to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The route allows Saudi Arabia to reduce its dependence on shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
A prolonged shutdown could put pressure on Saudi Arabia’s oil export arrangements. With other major energy and maritime routes in the Middle East already facing heightened tensions, the attack on another key supply route has increased concerns in international oil markets.
Fears of higher crude oil prices have intensified following news of the attack. Brent crude prices had already been rising amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, and further disruption to the pipeline could increase concerns about a potential shortage of supply.
Saudi Arabia has claimed that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory. Riyadh has also pointed to the possible involvement of Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq. However, Saudi Arabia has said it will not immediately launch direct military action against Iraq and will instead give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take steps to prevent attacks from its territory.
Iraq has also launched an investigation into the incident. Reports say that after investigators confirmed that the attack originated from Iraqi territory, a commander responsible for military operations in Maysan Province was removed from his position. Iraq has indicated that it will not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.
The incident could also place additional strain on relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. If attacks against neighboring countries are confirmed to have originated from Iraqi territory, Baghdad could face increased pressure to control armed groups operating within the country.
Meanwhile, tensions are also continuing around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Activities linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have increased concerns over the security of the strategic maritime route, which is vital to global trade and energy supplies.
The East-West pipeline is particularly important when the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption, as it provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative route for exporting crude oil. However, the attack on this alternative route has raised fresh questions about the security of oil-export routes across the region.
If the pipeline is repaired and operations resume quickly, the impact on global markets could remain limited. However, repeated attacks, significant damage to the pipeline or further attacks on other energy infrastructure and maritime routes could push crude oil prices even higher.
Rising global oil prices could also affect oil-importing countries such as Nepal. Higher crude oil prices can increase the cost of petroleum imports, putting pressure on the prices of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. Higher fuel costs could also raise transportation expenses and affect agriculture, public transport and the prices of everyday consumer goods.
The key concern for international energy markets now is how long Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline will remain out of operation. A quick resumption could ease market pressure, but a prolonged shutdown or further attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime routes could significantly increase the risk of supply disruptions in the global oil market.
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