DUBAI/LONDON: Saudi Arabia is considering a major expansion of its East-West crude oil pipeline to the Red Sea, a move aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s energy security by reducing dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The proposal would increase the pipeline’s capacity by as much as two million barrels per day (bpd), allowing Saudi Arabia—and potentially neighbouring Gulf producers—to export larger volumes of crude without relying on the strategically sensitive waterway.
Saudi Arabia is studying the possibility of expanding the capacity of oil pipelines leading to the western coast of the Red Sea, and is also considering the creation of alternative routes for oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters. pic.twitter.com/OAxovCynzL
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The pipeline, which links oilfields in eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was constructed in the early 1980s. It has gained renewed strategic importance following the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict earlier this year.
At present, the pipeline can transport up to seven million bpd. Around two million bpd is supplied to refineries on Saudi Arabia’s western coast, while approximately five million bpd is exported through Yanbu, according to figures previously disclosed by Saudi Aramco’s chief executive.
Preliminary regional discussions
Riyadh has begun preliminary discussions with several neighbouring Gulf countries regarding the proposed expansion. While the exact scope of the project has yet to be finalised, officials are examining options to increase capacity by between one and two million bpd.
According to Reuters, it remains uncertain whether the project would involve upgrading the existing pipeline or constructing additional infrastructure. Plans could include laying a smaller parallel pipeline dedicated to transporting refined petroleum products.
Strategic importance for Gulf producers
The initiative comes as several Gulf states continue to face limited alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar currently have no direct export routes that bypass the strategic chokepoint. Iraq’s pipeline to Türkiye has operated well below its designed capacity due to political disputes and repeated shutdowns.
Last month, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah confirmed that Kuwait was discussing with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners the possibility of expanding existing pipeline networks to accommodate Kuwaiti crude exports.
Lessons from recent regional tensions
The recent conflict highlighted the vulnerability of Gulf energy exports. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz forced several regional producers to curtail output, disrupting as much as 12 million barrels per day of oil supplies and driving global crude prices sharply higher.
Although exports have partially resumed following a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran last month, shipping volumes remain below pre-conflict levels.
During the crisis, Iraqi oil production reportedly fell from around 4.3 million bpd to below 1.5 million bpd, while Kuwait declared force majeure on exports. Bahrain’s Sitra refinery also sustained repeated missile attacks.
Broader regional implications
Energy analysts believe the renewed focus on alternative export routes reflects a long-term strategic shift across the Gulf.
According to regional experts, recent discussions involving Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar underline growing concerns over the risks associated with relying solely on the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports.
Qatar, whose exports are dominated by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is also exploring alternative export options, including potential routes through Saudi Arabia, although technical challenges remain.
Saudi government officials and other regional energy authorities have not publicly responded, Reuters reported.
