Saudi Arabia is considering expanding the capacity of the East-West Pipeline, one of its main energy routes, to enhance oil export security and minimize regional risks. The pipeline currently serves as a critical infrastructure for the country's energy strategy.
According to information released by the International Energy Agency, the main objective of the project is to redirect a significant portion of the country's oil exports away from the Strait of Hormuz to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea coast. This step is designed to reduce the impact of potential geopolitical tensions and maritime shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz on Saudi Arabia's energy exports.
Currently, the East-West Pipeline has a daily throughput capacity of approximately 7 million barrels. Of this volume, approximately 2 million barrels are processed at oil refineries located in the western part of the country, while the remaining 5 million barrels are exported to international markets through the Yanbu port.
According to reports, Riyadh is exploring options to increase the pipeline's throughput capacity by an additional 2 million barrels. This would involve either modernizing existing infrastructure or constructing a new parallel oil pipeline.
The project has reportedly attracted the interest of other regional countries. Notably, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar currently lack alternative oil export routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. For this reason, Saudi Arabia's initiative could have significant implications for regional energy security in the future.
No final decision has been made regarding the project, and negotiations are still in the preliminary stages. The main objective of the expansion plan is to make Saudi Arabia's oil supply more resilient, diversify export routes, and mitigate potential disruptions in the global energy market.