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

ME News Report, April 2 (UTC+8), due to the threat posed by Iran potentially exerting long-term control over the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf countries are re-evaluating costly pipeline projects to bypass this critical shipping chokepoint and ensure oil and gas exports. Government officials and industry executives point out that although the pipeline projects are expensive, politically complex, and take years to develop, they may be the only way to reduce Gulf countries’ dependence on the strait. 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 vital 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 ways to export more crude oil via pipelines, including expanding the capacity of the “East-West Pipeline” or opening new routes. (Jin10) (Source: ODAILY)