Saudi Oil Output Capacity Cut by 600,000 bpd After Energy Facility Attacks

Mintesinot Nigussie

Saudi Arabia’s oil production capacity has fallen by about 600,000 barrels per day following attacks on energy infrastructure. Throughput on the kingdom’s East-West Pipeline has also declined by roughly 700,000 barrels per day, highlighting the scale of disruption to key export routes.

The Ministry of Energy did not identify those responsible for the attacks. However, Saudi authorities have in recent weeks intercepted missiles and drones amid heightened regional tensions linked to Iran.

The latest strikes and earlier incidents have affected multiple facilities across the kingdom, disrupting operations at oil, gas, refining, petrochemical and electricity sites in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu Industrial City.

Saudi Arabia had not previously released detailed figures on the operational impact of attacks during the wider conflict in the region that began in late February, particularly on oilfield output, refinery activity and pipeline flows.

Oil markets reacted to the developments, with Brent crude futures rising in post-settlement trade on Thursday after settling up 1.17 US dollars, or 1.2 percent, at 95.92 US dollars a barrel.

Analysts said the disruption to Saudi infrastructure could tighten global supply conditions. “The East-West pipe is diverting so much of the Saudi crude not able to leave via the Strait of Hormuz,” said Kpler analyst Matt Smith.

The situation comes amid fragile regional tensions, with Israel continuing strikes in Lebanon and Iran showing no indication of easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy flows.

With the Strait of Hormuz constrained, Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline has become a key alternative export channel for crude shipments.

Overall, the reduction in Saudi oil output capacity underscores the vulnerability of global energy markets to regional conflicts and infrastructure attacks.