Saudi Arabia plans major pipeline expansion to bypass volatile Hormuz

Saudi Arabia is considering a major expansion of its crude oil pipeline capacity to the western Red Sea coast. This strategic move aims to create a post-war oil route reset that entirely bypasses the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Following severe shipping disruptions during the recent Iran conflict, Riyadh is in preliminary talks with neighbouring Gulf nations—including Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain—to allow their oil barrels access to the system. The proposed expansion could increase the capacity of the existing 1,200-km East-West pipeline by up to 2 million barrels per day (bpd), while also potentially incorporating a smaller pipeline for refined petroleum products. As Hormuz vulnerability continues to threaten global energy supplies, this multi-billion-dollar infrastructure overhaul highlights a broader regional shift toward overland pipelines. The project is seen as a vital economic survival strategy to secure Gulf oil exports against future maritime chokepoint blockades, according to a report. 

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