RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has resumed oil exports through its East-West Pipeline after repairs were completed following drone strikes on Sept. 10, Bloomberg reported on Monday.Saudi Aramco tested the pipeline last week in preparation for restarting flows, according to the report. Shipments destined for export have now resumed.The restart restores a major alternative export route for Saudi crude, which the Kingdom had used during the war with Iran, as Saudi Arabia also increases oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz this month.The return of the East-West Pipeline could provide some relief to buyers seeking to secure supplies amid continued risks to maritime shipping in the Arabian Gulf.Traders will be watching how much oil Saudi Arabia continues to ship through the Strait of Hormuz as the East-West Pipeline returns to full capacity.Shipping through the Arabian Gulf remains exposed to risks, with vessels facing occasional attacks as the war with Iran approaches its seventh month.The East-West Pipeline has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day. About 2 million barrels per day typically flow to refineries on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, leaving the remaining capacity available for exports.Those westward shipments became a vital supply route during the war with Iran, helping limit sharp increases in global oil prices.Oil traded above $107 a barrel on Monday as the United States and Iran remained divided over reaching an agreement that could end the conflict in the Middle East.
