TechFlow News, April 2, reported by the Financial Times: Gulf states are re-evaluating their costly pipeline projects—designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz—to ensure continued oil and gas exports, amid growing concerns over Iran’s potential long-term control of this critical maritime chokepoint. Government officials and industry executives noted that although such pipeline initiatives involve high costs, complex political challenges, and multi-year timelines, they may represent the only viable path to reducing Gulf states’ dependence on the Strait.
The current conflict further underscores the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia’s 1,200-kilometer East-West Pipeline, built in the 1980s to address concerns about Strait closures during the Iran-Iraq “Tanker War.” Today, it serves as a vital lifeline, transporting 7 million barrels of crude oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu—completely circumventing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is now exploring options to increase crude exports via pipelines, including expanding the East-West Pipeline’s capacity or developing new routes. (Jinshi)
