Saudi Arabia halts several energy sites after attacks: report

Attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure have disrupted oil production and pipeline flows, raising fresh concerns about global supply stability as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East.

According to the Saudi state news agency SPA, citing an official source at the energy ministry, the strikes have reduced the kingdom’s oil production capacity by around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and cut throughput on its East-West pipeline by about 700,000 bpd.

Strikes disrupt key oil infrastructure

The attacks targeted multiple strategic assets across Saudi Arabia’s energy network, including oilfields, pipeline systems, and refining facilities.

One of the pumping stations on the East-West pipeline was hit, reducing throughput by about 700,000 bpd. The ministry source described the pipeline as a key route for supplying global markets.

The Manifa oilfield sustained damage that reduced production capacity by approximately 300,000 bpd.

In addition, a previous strike on the Khurais facility cut a further 300,000 bpd, bringing the total reduction in output capacity to around 600,000 bpd.

The strikes also disrupted operations at major refining sites, including SATORP in Jubail, the Ras Tanura refinery, the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, and the Riyadh refinery.

Processing facilities in Ju’aymah were affected by fires, impacting exports of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas liquids.

Broader impact on energy supply chain

The attacks extended beyond oil production, affecting gas, petrochemical, and electricity infrastructure across Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Yanbu Industrial City, SPA reported.

One Saudi national from the industrial security personnel of the Saudi energy company was killed, and seven other Saudi employees were wounded in the attacks, according to SPA.

The ministry source did not specify who was responsible for the missile strikes.

However, Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks involving Iranian missiles and drones since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, most of which authorities said were intercepted.

The disruption highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region, particularly as Saudi Arabia remains the world’s top oil exporter and a central player in global crude markets.

Supply risks and market volatility rise

The scale of the damage has raised concerns about tightening global oil supplies and heightened price volatility.

The ministry source warned that continued attacks could further reduce supply and slow recovery efforts, affecting energy security for consuming nations.

SPA reported that the disruptions have already depleted a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s operational and emergency inventories, limiting the kingdom’s ability to offset supply shortfalls in the near term.

The strikes come at a time when global markets are already sensitive to geopolitical risks, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz region, a key artery for oil and gas shipments.

A prolonged disruption to Saudi production, refining operations, or export routes could have wider implications for global energy markets, potentially driving up prices and increasing uncertainty for both producers and consumers.