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Saudi Arabia shuts East-West pipeline that bypasses Hormuz after attacks
Financial Times · September 11, 2026 · Week 2026-37
Summary
Saudi Arabia has shut down its strategic East-West pipeline following attacks, removing a critical bypass route for crude exports that avoids the Strait of Hormuz. This move significantly heightens regional geopolitical risk and exposes a larger volume of Saudi oil exports to potential disruptions in the Gulf.
Strategic Implication
The shutdown of this strategic bypass pipeline exposes Saudi oil exports to greater vulnerability at the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, increasing the geopolitical risk premium for crude oil.