According to people familiar with the matter, after Saudi Arabia's key oil pipeline to the Red Sea was attacked, Saudi Aramco has notified at least two European refining customers that it will not distribute any crude oil to them next month. European customers usually obtain Saudi crude oil through so-called fixed-term contracts to ensure a stable supply every month. The person familiar with the matter said that the crude oil will not be delivered next month. They requested anonymity because the relevant information was not disclosed. They claim the decision applies to all European buyers. Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to requests for comment made outside of normal business hours. Saudi Arabia was forced to close an east-west oil pipeline last week after being attacked by drones. A person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday that the pipeline is expected to partially resume operation within a few days and fully resume operation within six weeks. European refineries usually receive Saudi crude oil from the Egyptian Mediterranean port of Sidi Kirill. The shutdown of the oil pipeline has triggered panic purchases from some Saudi Aramco customers. Poland's Orlen SA has issued more than a dozen tenders since Friday to seek alternative supplies. The International Energy Agency said in its monthly “Oil Market Report” that in June, European countries in the OECD imported 577,000 barrels of crude oil every day from Saudi Arabia.

According to people familiar with the matter, after Saudi Arabia's key oil pipeline to the Red Sea was attacked, Saudi Aramco has notified at least two European refining customers that it will not distribute any crude oil to them next month. European customers usually obtain Saudi crude oil through so-called fixed-term contracts to ensure a stable supply every month. The person familiar with the matter said that the crude oil will not be delivered next month. They requested anonymity because the relevant information was not disclosed. They claim the decision applies to all European buyers. Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to requests for comment made outside of normal business hours. Saudi Arabia was forced to close an east-west oil pipeline last week after being attacked by drones. A person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday that the pipeline is expected to partially resume operation within a few days and fully resume operation within six weeks. European refineries usually receive Saudi crude oil from the Egyptian Mediterranean port of Sidi Kirill. The shutdown of the oil pipeline has triggered panic purchases from some Saudi Aramco customers. Poland's Orlen SA has issued more than a dozen tenders since Friday to seek alternative supplies. The International Energy Agency said in its monthly “Oil Market Report” that in June, European countries in the OECD imported 577,000 barrels of crude oil every day from Saudi Arabia.