Saudi Aramco halts October crude supplies to Europe after pipeline attack

Saudi Aramco has informed European refiners they will receive no crude oil in October under term contracts, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the decision. The halt follows the shutdown of Saudi Arabia's EastWest pipeline after a drone attack on September 10, which disrupted crude loadings at the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The decision affects European customers that normally receive Saudi crude under long-term agreements providing regular monthly supplies. While reports indicate at least two refiners were directly notified, sources said the suspension applies to all European buyers. Saudi Aramco has not publicly commented on the reported cancellations. The EastWest pipeline, also known as Petroline, is a 1,200-kilometer route carrying crude from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to the Red Sea coast. It provides an alternative export route that allows the kingdom to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Iran. The pipeline was shut after drone strikes damaged three pumping stations.