Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a strategic move to bolster the security of its energy exports, five sources familiar with the matter revealed that Saudi Arabia is exploring options to increase the capacity of its crude oil pipeline running to the kingdom’s western coast on the Red Sea. This would enable Riyadh – and potentially neighboring countries – to transport larger quantities of oil to global markets without having to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which is experiencing escalating security tensions.
Expansion of two million barrels per day
Sources told Reuters that the Kingdom is currently in preliminary talks with some neighboring countries regarding a potential pipeline expansion aimed at adding up to two million barrels per day. Technical details of the project, which Aramco intends to undertake, remain unclear. It is also unknown whether the process will be limited to a comprehensive upgrade of existing infrastructure or will involve constructing an entirely new pipeline. One source indicated that the plan might also include the construction of a second, smaller pipeline dedicated to transporting refined petroleum products. This is intended to enhance the flexibility of export operations.
Increasing strategic importance
The East-West pipeline, built in the early 1980s, is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy. Its vital importance has multiplied since the outbreak of war last February, which led to a near-complete halt in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline has a capacity of up to seven million barrels per day of crude oil, which is transported to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea.
In this context, the CEO of Aramco stated last May that approximately two million barrels per day of this capacity are currently being used to supply domestic refineries on the west coast, while about five million barrels per day are allocated for export.
This Saudi move comes at a time when alternative routes are increasingly needed to ensure the stability of global oil supplies, particularly given the geopolitical challenges that have demonstrated the necessity of reducing reliance on narrow waterways. These developments also reflect Riyadh’s commitment to securing flexible and sustainable export routes, guaranteeing that its supplies reach international markets unaffected by the volatile security situation in the Gulf region. This reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a reliable guarantor of global energy security.
