Citi flags risk to oilfield firms from Saudi pipeline closure

Citi analysts commented on the temporary closure of Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline following a series of drone attacks, noting potential implications for oilfield services companies operating in the region.

According to a Citi analyst note, Saudi Arabia shut the pipeline after drone attacks were reported on Sept. 13. The pipeline has played a role in facilitating western crude exports from Saudi Arabia while eastern exports through the Strait of Hormuz have faced constraints.

The analyst noted that the pipeline's closure could affect drilling activity depending on the duration of repairs. "If short, it's unlikely to impact drilling activity, however, risk rises if the timeline stretches into months," the analyst said.

Citi identified several oilfield services companies with exposure to Saudi Arabia, which it described as the largest oilfield services market in the Middle East. The companies flagged include Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB), Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), Weatherford International (NASDAQ: WFRD), NOV Inc. (NYSE: NOV), and Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP).

The analyst noted that these companies had reported directionally positive comments on regional activity during their second-quarter conference calls, citing Saudi Arabia's continued onshore drilling activity. The timeline for pipeline repairs remains unclear, according to the note.

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