Aramco Restores East-West Pipeline as War Risk Closes In on Yanbu

By Editorial Dept - Sep 25, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT Saudi Aramco has restarted its East-West pipeline (Petroline) less than two weeks after attacks knocked out the 7 million bpd system, restoring at least some of the route that has carried the bulk of Saudi crude around the Strait of Hormuz since the war began. Pumping has resumed at reduced rates, with Aramco reportedly targeting around 4 million bpd as flows gradually rebuild. Tanker loadings at Yanbu also appear to have restarted this week, although regular exports have yet to recover. Industrial Info Resources cited satellite imagery showing vessels taking on crude, while Reuters reported that Aramco had told European refiners it first needed to build a “critical mass” of crude at Yanbu. Two tankers scheduled to load September 23 had not done so, with another six scheduled between September 24 and 27. According to Kpler, the pipeline had been moving roughly 5.5 million bpd before the September attack, including about 4.5 million bpd destined for export from Yanbu.Kpler says the pipeline itself suffered limited damage, with the heavier damage concentrated at the pumping infrastructure. At least one pumping station was extensively damaged, and Aramco has been installing a temporary bypass while permanent repairs continue. Kpler had initially estimated four to six weeks for permanent repairs because of damage to pumping equipment and the time required to obtain replacement components. Yanbu was exporting roughly 4 million to 4.5 million bpd before the attack, compared… COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP (FREE) GLOBAL ENERGY ALERT ($697 $279 PER YEAR) Breaking energy stories before they hit the mainstream media Top quality analysis from industry veterans Exclusive investment opportunities Digestible data breakdowns Geopolitical insights from our network of over 600 operatives Risk-free 30-day money back guarantee