Oil Tops $109 as Houthi Strikes and Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Tighten Supply
Oil prices climbed above $109 a barrel as renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia coincided with the shutdown of the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline, adding further pressure to an already strained global energy market.
The Houthis said they launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles at military and strategic targets in Saudi Arabia, describing the attacks as retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes. The attacks have increased concerns over the security of the kingdom’s oil infrastructure and exports.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia temporarily halted operations on its East-West Pipeline after attacks damaged infrastructure near Riyadh and Medina. The pipeline is a critical alternative route for moving crude from the kingdom’s eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, allowing exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruptions come as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have already been severely affected by the wider regional conflict. With several major supply routes under pressure, traders are increasingly concerned about how much spare capacity remains available to compensate for lost production and disrupted exports.
Brent crude has risen sharply, reaching above $109 a barrel, while the market faces the possibility of further increases if disruptions continue. Analysts warn that prolonged attacks on Saudi infrastructure or a wider escalation around key Middle Eastern shipping routes could further tighten global supplies.
The developments highlight the growing vulnerability of global oil markets to disruptions across the Middle East, particularly as available supply buffers continue to shrink.
