US Energy Secretary Says Saudi East‑West Pipeline to Resume Within Days
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expects Saudi Arabia’s 1,200‑km East‑West oil pipeline, shut after Houthi attacks, to restart in days, easing supply pressures on global oil markets.
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How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Positive · Buy bias
Oil & Gas sector likely to benefit from steadier crude supplies and prices – Buy bias on related tickers.
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Desk call: Buy bias · Positively affected
- Oil & GasPositively affected
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Sectors: Oil & Gas — Positive · Buy bias. PSX tickers: OGDC, HUBC. Oil & Gas sector likely to benefit from steadier crude supplies and prices – Buy bias on related tickers.
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Open on Business Recorder## Pipeline outage and expected restart
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC that Saudi Arabia’s vital East‑West crude pipeline is likely to be back in operation within a matter of days. The comment was made on the sidelines of a G20 energy meeting in Houston.
## Reason for the shutdown
The pipeline was temporarily closed after a series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The 1,200‑km (745‑mile) line has been the main export route for Saudi crude over the past six months, especially while the Strait of Hormuz has faced heightened tension.
## Current throughput
Before the shutdown, the pipeline moved roughly 4‑5 million barrels per day, representing about 4‑5 % of global oil supply. Its operation has helped Saudi Arabia mitigate the impact of regional disruptions that have hit other Gulf exporters.
## Support from the United States
Wright said Saudi Arabia is working with the U.S. military to shift more oil out of the Strait of Hormuz. While Washington has provided intelligence assistance, it has so far declined direct military intervention.
## Geopolitical backdrop
The pipeline’s closure follows a broader escalation involving Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed recent talks with the Saudi crown prince and noted that the Houthis have urged the United States to stay out of the conflict.
## Implications for Pakistan
A swift resumption of the pipeline is expected to stabilise global crude prices, which benefits Pakistan’s oil‑importing economy and supports the earnings outlook of domestic oil‑and‑gas companies listed on the PSX.