Saudi Aramco informed at least two European refining customers that they will receive no crude next month under long-term agreements after the kingdom's key East-West pipeline to the Red Sea was attacked by drones. European buyers normally rely on term contracts for steady monthly Saudi supply, but those deliveries will not occur next month, according to people briefed on the decision. The shutdown has forced Aramco to offer Asian customers spot cargoes through the Persian Gulf, pivoting toward the Strait of Hormuz despite earlier avoidance due to ship attacks.

Aramco aims to partially restart the pipeline within days and reach full capacity within six weeks. Once operational, traders will watch whether similar terms extend to Europe. The absence of Saudi flows heightens replacement needs, helping push Dated Brent above $130.

Poland's Orlen SA has already sought alternative shipments. European refineries typically lift Saudi crude from Egypt's Sidi Kerir port, and OECD countries imported 577,000 barrels a day from Saudi Arabia in June, per the International Energy Agency. Reaching Europe via the Persian Gulf would require sailing through the Red Sea or circumnavigating Africa, offering little near-term relief.