Saudi Aramco cuts crude shipments to Indian refiners following pipeline strike

Saudi Aramco has suspended crude oil deliveries to Indian refiners after the East-West pipeline came under attack from unmanned aircraft, people familiar with the matter said. The pipeline, a critical conduit for transporting crude from Saudi Arabia's eastern oilfields to export terminals on the Red Sea, was shut following the strike.

The suspension affects multiple Indian refineries that have long-term purchase agreements with the Saudi state-owned producer. India's refineries are heavily dependent on crude from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia accounting for a substantial share of the nation's imports. Any prolonged disruption to supplies could pressure refinery utilization rates and impact fuel availability in the Indian market.

The attack on the pipeline highlights mounting risks to energy infrastructure in the region as geopolitical tensions persist. The incident comes amid broader concerns about the security of global crude supply routes, particularly through the Arabian Gulf where shipping lanes and production facilities face periodic threats.

Saudi Aramco has not provided a timeline for restoring the pipeline to full operational capacity. Industry analysts are monitoring the situation closely, as extended supply interruptions could ripple through crude markets and potentially drive prices higher across Asia. Officials said restoration efforts are underway, though technical assessments of damage are still ongoing.