Saudi Arabia’s Key Pipeline Has been Hit. 4% Of The Global Oil Supply Could Be Threatened.

Saudi Arabia shut down its key East-West pipeline after sustaining multiple attacks last Friday, further threatening its oil exports as hostilities in the Middle East continue to climb.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters detailed that Riyadh could take up to six weeks to fix the pipeline if it doesn't get hit again. Another estimate claimed that the work could take less and partial pumping could resume as well.

However, should the country not manage to resume exports, about 4% of the global oil supply could come under threat.

Riyadh shut down the pipeline on Friday. Citing an official source at the Ministry of Energy, the country said that the attacks "resulted in a number of injuries, and medical care was provided to those affected."

"The source said emergency and specialised technical teams responded immediately following the attacks, taking the necessary measures to secure the pipeline and assess its safety in line with approved safety procedures and emergency response plans, in coordination with the relevant authorities," the document added.

The development marks another major threat to Riyadh's oil exports, as Iran is preventing most ships from transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, and the Houthis have declared an embargo of Saudi oil in the Red Sea, targeting its ships in the waterway and striking energy infrastructure.

The Houthis also reached the island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait last week, a breakthrough that could help the group tighten its grip on the key shipping lane.

Elsewhere, a meeting between Gulf countries to discuss the reopening of the Hormuz Strait was postponed. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on Sunday that "In the interests of consensus the regional meeting set for tomorrow in Salalah has been postponed."

"We remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports stability and lasting cooperation in our region," the minister added. He did not specify whether a new date had been set.

A regional source with knowledge of the matter told CNN that diplomats hoped the meeting would create momentum for a potential deal even if countries still don't fully agree on a framework that could ultimately allow Iran and Oman to collect fees for passage.

However, Saudi Arabia had submitted amendments to the framework over concerns that it could a new status quo that wouldn't be acceptable to other countries. While mandatory fees are rejected, there was willingness to consider voluntary contributions.