Saudi East-West pipeline restarts, signaling renewed flows and Yanbu exports

Saudi Arabia has resumed operations on its East-West Pipeline and could restart Yanbu oil exports later today, signaling renewed Middle East flows after drone attacks earlier shut the line. The pipeline, with a 7 million barrels-per-day capacity, is being brought back gradually, with full restoration expected in 6–8 weeks. Initial pumping is at a lower rate, and a cargo bound for China was reportedly planned to load at Yanbu. The development coincided with Brent crude dropping about $2 to near $97, as markets price in higher supply; the network's three damaged pumping stations from the prior attack still constrain full throughput.