**[Saudi Arabia Shuts Down East-West Pipeline Bypassing Hormuz, Adding Upward Pressure on Oil Prices]** BlockBeats News, September 12: Saudi Arabia announced the temporary closure of the East-West pipeline, spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers, following an attack on this critical oil transport route. The pipeline connects major oil fields in eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and serves as a key route for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz to export crude oil. The Saudi Ministry of Energy stated that the closure is a "precautionary measure," with no timeline for resumption disclosed yet. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the pipeline was attacked by drones originating from Iraq, and no retaliatory actions are planned at this time. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces have recently intensified attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and are advancing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, further escalating risks to Red Sea shipping. The oil market has quickly priced in the supply risks. Brent crude closed at $104.56 per barrel on Friday, up more than 8% for the week. In August, Saudi crude oil exports via Yanbu port averaged only about 2.5 million barrels per day, the lowest level since 2013. With alternative export routes now disrupted, Saudi Arabia's crude supply capacity faces additional contraction pressures. As both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, two critical energy transport corridors, face simultaneous risks, the market is reassessing the likelihood of global crude supply disruptions. [Original Link]