Saudi Arabia restores full oil capacity after drone strikes

ALBAWABA- Saudi Arabia has fully restored its oil production and export capacity following last week’s drone attacks on key energy infrastructure, with officials describing the recovery as completed in “record time.”

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Energy and Saudi Aramco outlined a rapid operational rebound across critical facilities. Pumping capacity on the East-West Pipeline has returned to approximately 7 million barrels per day, offsetting a prior loss of 700,000 barrels per day. 

Output at the Manifa field has been restored to around 300,000 barrels per day, while recovery efforts continue at the Khurais field, which has a similar capacity.
Major refining and petrochemical hubs, including facilities in Jubail, Ras Tanura, Yanbu, and Riyadh, as well as the Ju’aymah processing plants, are now operating at pre-attack levels, ensuring continuity in both domestic supply and exports.

Officials said the swift recovery underscores Aramco’s operational resilience and crisis management capabilities, reinforcing the kingdom’s role as a reliable supplier to global energy markets at a time of heightened geopolitical risk.

Saudi Arabia has already restored the East-West pipeline to full capacity, allowing them to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

By producing 7 million barrels of oil a day, this may cut the price of fuel and make it more available. pic.twitter.com/r5NtWH8jtC

— Pubity (@pubity) April 12, 2026

The announcement follows last week’s drone strikes targeting oil and gas production sites, pipeline infrastructure, refining complexes, and power facilities across Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Yanbu. The attacks killed one Aramco security officer, injured seven others, and temporarily reduced output by more than 1.3 million barrels per day.

The incidents occurred amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, and during a fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. While Tehran denied involvement, the strikes were widely seen as part of a broader regional escalation affecting Gulf energy infrastructure.

Oil markets responded positively to the recovery. Brent crude futures edged lower in early trading, reflecting improved confidence in supply stability. The rapid restoration helped contain volatility that had intensified during the recent 40-day period of direct US-Iran confrontation.