Saudi Arabia Seeks to Increase Oil Exports via Strait of Hormuz After Pipeline Attack

Saudi Arabia Seeks To Increase Oil Exports Via Strait Of Hormuz After Pipeline Attack

Mian Nadeem | Published September 14, 2026 | 10:45 PM

Saudi Arabia has embarked on efforts to boost oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on its East-West oil pipeline.

According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation, the kingdom aims to further increase oil supplies via the strait after the shutdown of a crucial pipeline during the ongoing Iran war.

Key Points:

  • Oil loading rates in the Strait of Hormuz had already been on the rise before the recent attacks.
  • A fleet of over a dozen Saudi vessels was observed waiting near the strait in recent weeks.
  • The East-West pipeline, a key route for crude oil delivery to global markets, was targeted and shut down last week.
  • Two regional officials anticipate the pipeline will remain out of service for several weeks.
  • Despite uncertainty about the extent and speed of Saudi Aramco's increase in Hormuz shipments, data suggests total exports fell to approximately 3 million barrels per day in August – the lowest level in at least nine years.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg Magazine
  • Satellite imagery analysis
  • Tanker-tracking data from Bloomberg, Vortexa, and Kpler