Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, a critical bypass for Strait of Hormuz disruptions amid regional conflicts, was shut September 11, 2026, after drone strikes damaged three pumping stations and halted Yanbu loadings. Operations resumed around September 22 at reduced rates, with flows building to 5.8 million barrels per day by October 6—over 80% of the 7 million bpd expanded capacity—thanks to Aramco's localized repair technologies and pressure management. This rapid recovery, confirmed by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, has eased immediate supply concerns in global crude markets, where the line normally reroutes about 4% of world oil. Traders are watching for any follow-on security incidents or full ramp-up timelines, typically spanning six to eight weeks post-damage.