Gulf countries plan to invest heavily in pipeline export projects to bypass the Strait of Hormuz

SmartContractAuditor · 2026-04-02T04:34:05+00:00

Odaily Planet Daily reported that, according to the Financial Times, Gulf countries are re-evaluating costly pipeline projects to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and ensure oil and gas exports, due to the threat posed by Iran potentially exerting long-term control over the strait. Government officials and industry executives noted that although the pipeline projects are expensive, politically complex, and take years to complete, they may be the only way to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for Gulf countries. The current conflict further highlights the strategic value of Saudi Arabia’s 1,200-kilometer “East-West Pipeline.” Built in the 1980s, it was originally designed to address concerns over the Strait’s closure during the Iran-Iraq “Tanker War.” Today, it has become a critical 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, including plans to expand the “East

SmartContractAuditor

2026-04-02 04:34:05

Odaily Planet Daily, in an exclusive report: According to the Financial Times of the UK, because Iran’s potential long-term control of the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat, the Gulf countries are reexamining the costly pipeline plans aimed at bypassing this strategic chokepoint to ensure oil and gas exports. Government officials and industry executives stated that although these pipeline projects are expensive, politically complex, and take years to complete, they may be the only way to reduce the Gulf countries’ dependence on the strait. The ongoing conflict further emphasizes the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia’s 1,200-kilometer east-west pipeline. Built in the 1980s, the pipeline was originally designed to address concerns that the strait could be closed due to the Iran-Iraq tanker war. Today, it has become a vital lifeline, transporting 7 million barrels of crude oil daily to the Red Sea port Yanbu, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf countries are currently exploring ways to export more crude oil via pipelines, including expanding the capacity of the east-west pipeline or developing new routes.

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