Saudi Arabia restarts East-West crude pipeline after drone attack

Saudi Arabia has resumed operations on its strategic East-West crude oil pipeline, which was halted after a drone attack, according to reports confirmed by three sources to Reuters. The pipeline is currently operating at a reduced flow rate. The pipeline, which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz to transport crude to the Red Sea coast for export, is being brought back online gradually. Saudi Aramco aims to first restore limited flow and then reach full capacity, with exports from the Yanbu port potentially resuming as soon as Tuesday. The resumption follows the September 13 drone attack that damaged a pumping station. Reports of the restart and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz contributed to a drop in oil prices on Tuesday.