Saudi Arabia's Crude Oil Exports Reach Highest Level Since Start of Iran War Despite Pipeline Disruption
Saudi Arabia has increased its crude oil exports to a record high since the start of the conflict with Iran, reaching 6 million barrels per day in September. This surge comes despite damage to the East-West pipeline from a drone attack and subsequent closure. The kingdom redirected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. military secured an alternative shipping lane along Oman's coast. The increase represents nearly an 80% rise compared to August exports, with data firm Kpler noting that this level matches Saudi Arabia’s monthly average for 2025. Although initial concerns over a pipeline outage pushed Brent crude prices near $110 per barrel, investor confidence has since improved as the disruption appears less severe than feared. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser indicated that temporary infrastructure interruptions typically last only days and not weeks or months. Meanwhile, oil exports through Hormuz have averaged 13.2 million bpd recently compared to around 17 million before the conflict began.
Topics: drone attack oil exports pipeline damage Saudi Arabia Strait of Hormuz