Saudi Arabia is facing a potential halt in oil exports if its major pipeline remains closed. This closure follows drone attacks likely carried out by Iranian-backed groups. The kingdom announced the shutdown of this critical East-West pipeline as a precaution.

The exact damage and timeline for recovery remain undisclosed. The pipeline, which crosses the Arabian Peninsula, is crucial for rerouting 4 million barrels of oil daily to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea. This route became vital after the Strait of Hormuz was shut due to conflict in Iran.

Energy experts, cited by Reuters, warn that repairs might take up to six weeks. This poses a threat to about 4 percent of the global oil supply. Without the pipeline, Yanbu has sufficient reserves to continue exports for only five to seven days.

Newsweek has reached out to the Saudi government for further comments. The situation is developing and updates will follow.