Saudi Arabia Increases East-West Pipeline Flows to Over 80% of Capacity - Sarmad

Saudi Arabia has increased oil flows through the East-West pipeline to more than 80% of its capacity, while available export volumes from the kingdom’s western coast have reached wartime levels.

A source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Saudi state-owned Aramco was pumping nearly 6 million barrels per day through the East-West pipeline. After accounting for supplies directed to refineries on Saudi Arabia’s western coast, the company now has approximately 4.5 million barrels per day available for export.

The company has boosted supplies through the 7-million-barrel-per-day pipeline, which had been operating at roughly half capacity earlier this week.

The pipeline serves as a vital route for maintaining oil flows amid the war with Iran, enabling Saudi Arabia to export nearly 4 million barrels per day via the Red Sea earlier this year without relying on risky shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the route has come under pressure in recent months, as the pipeline was shut down last month following attacks.

The increase in total exports contributed to a decline in oil prices this week, with Brent crude trading below $100 per barrel on Friday.

Traders are also monitoring the possibility of escalating combat in the Middle East, as the United States has deployed an additional aircraft carrier and forces to the region.