Attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities have reduced the country’s oil production capacity by approximately 600,000 barrels per day and cut oil supply through the East-West pipeline by around 700,000 barrels daily. This information was reported on Thursday (April 9) by the Saudi state news agency Saudi Press Agency, citing an official from the Ministry of Energy.
According to Reuters, the ministry source did not specify who carried out the attacks, but Saudi Arabia has intercepted numerous Iranian missiles and drones in recent weeks. SPA stated that, along with previous strikes, the latest attacks have disrupted operations at key oil, gas, refining, petrochemical, and power facilities in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the industrial city of Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia had previously not disclosed detailed information about the impact of the attacks that occurred during the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which began in late February, on oil field production, refineries, and pipeline flows.
Kpler analyst Matt Smith said, “The East-West pipeline is redirecting large volumes of Saudi crude that cannot exit through the Strait of Hormuz. Any reduction in supply will further intensify this already critical situation. This is not good news for the market.”
Meanwhile, after weeks of escalating attacks, a two-week ceasefire in the Iran-U.S. war was announced this week. However, it is believed to be at risk as Israel continues its strikes on Lebanon.
Iran has also shown no signs of lifting its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a passage that accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s energy supply. With the strait blocked, the East-West pipeline had been Saudi Arabia’s only alternative route for exporting crude oil.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that Iran attacked the pipeline just hours after agreeing to the ceasefire. According to SPA, one Saudi national from the industrial security team of a Saudi energy company was killed in the হামলা, and seven others were injured.
Authorities stated that since the war began, Saudi Arabia has faced hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, most of which have been intercepted.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint strike on Iran, killing many people, including the country’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran carried out retaliatory attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military installations.
Saudi Arabia oil production drops by 600,000 barrels per day due to attacks on energy facilities
