A source with direct knowledge of the matter said that a key east-west oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has begun resuming crude exports after it was attacked by drones earlier this month and repairs were completed.

The source had previously said that Saudi Aramco had been testing the east-west pipeline last week and gradually increasing pressure, with the goal of restoring substantial volumes before the weekend. The source requested anonymity because the information has not been made public. A source familiar with the operations said crude exports through the pipeline have now resumed.

Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Although Saudi Arabia has already increased crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz this month, the resumption of the pipeline has allowed the kingdom to regain an alternative export route that it had been using during the Iran war.

The pipeline's restoration will ease supply pressure on buyers. Previously, Saudi Aramco notified at least two European refinery customers that it would not allocate any crude to them next month.