Gulf States Plan Massive Investment in Pipeline Export Projects to Bypass the Strait of Hormuz

Odaily News According to the Financial Times, due to the threat posed by Iran's potential long-term control over the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states are reevaluating costly pipeline plans to bypass this critical shipping chokepoint and ensure oil and gas exports. Government officials and industry executives point out that although pipeline projects are expensive, politically complex, and take years to complete, they may be the only way to reduce the Gulf states' dependence on the strait. The current conflict further highlights the strategic value of Saudi Arabia's 1,200-kilometer-long "East-West Pipeline." Built in the 1980s, its original purpose was to address concerns about the strait's closure during the Iran-Iraq "Tanker War." Today, it has become a crucial lifeline, transporting 7 million barrels of crude oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is currently considering how to export more crude oil via pipelines, with specific options including expanding the capacity of the "East-West Pipeline" or developing new routes. (Jin10)