Saudi Arabia pumps 7 million bpd via east-west pipeline amid Hormuz disruption

Saudi Arabia has ramped up operations on its East–West crude pipeline to full capacity, moving approximately 7 million barrels of oil per day across the kingdom as it works to sustain exports following the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The pipeline, which stretches more than 1,000 kilometers from oil fields in eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has quickly become a vital alternative export route. With shipments through the Persian Gulf heavily disrupted, crude supplies are now being redirected westward, where tankers are loading for delivery to international markets.

Exports from Yanbu have increased significantly, with shipments reportedly reaching around 5 million barrels per day. In addition to crude oil, between 700,000 and 900,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products are also being shipped from the Red Sea coast. At the same time, roughly 2 million barrels per day transported through the pipeline are being diverted to domestic refineries within Saudi Arabia, helping maintain internal supply while supporting export commitments.

Even at maximum capacity, however, the East–West pipeline cannot fully replace the volume that previously passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the current disruption, the strategic waterway handled roughly 15 million barrels of oil per day, making it one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world. Still, the alternative route has helped stabilize global markets and limit the severity of price spikes that often follow major supply interruptions.

Attention is now shifting toward the Red Sea, where additional risks could emerge. Houthi movement in Yemen has signaled possible involvement in the broader conflict, raising concerns about the security of key maritime routes such as the Bab el-Mandeb. Although no confirmed plans to target vessels have been announced, the group has previously demonstrated the ability to strike shipping lanes using drones and missiles.

Saudi Arabia had long prepared for the possibility that the Strait of Hormuz could become inaccessible. That contingency planning was activated quickly following initial military developments involving United States and Israel targeting Iran, with pipeline operations ramping up within hours.

Originally constructed after tanker disruptions during the Iran–Iraq War, the East–West pipeline is now playing a crucial role in managing one of the most significant global oil supply challenges in recent decades.