Fuel supply strains rise as Strait of Hormuz closure and Saudi pipeline damage persist
American oil executives warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a fuel crisis, while a crucial Saudi East‑West crude pipeline was shut after an attack on September 10, stranding at least 2.5 million barrels per day. Commercial fuel stocks have been depleting for more than six months and diesel prices have hit record levels in the United States and the European Union. Despite these disruptions, Middle East crude exports in September reached 98 % of pre‑war levels, with Saudi oil exports remaining at average 2025 levels.1,2
The combined effect of the Strait of Hormuz closure and the damaged Saudi pipeline is raising concerns about the availability of aviation fuel, especially for airports in Saudi Arabia such as Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED).1,2