Saudi Arabia plans major crude export capacity boost to 10 million bpd

Saudi Arabia is moving forward with infrastructure modifications designed to significantly expand its crude oil export capability, according to announcements by the kingdom's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The initiative centres on upgrades to existing pipeline systems, including plans to repurpose gas infrastructure for oil transport to boost export volumes.

The Saudi energy ministry expects to achieve an initial capacity increase of approximately 1.2 million barrels per day within the coming weeks through pipeline repurposing. These near-term measures will form part of a broader strategy to expand the kingdom's export infrastructure.

Longer-term enhancements to the East-West pipeline system are also under examination, with officials targeting potential export capacity of 10 million barrels per day within the next several years. The upgrades are intended to provide Saudi Arabia with greater flexibility in managing crude oil exports and accessing alternative transport routes.

The expansion plans reflect Saudi Arabia's continued focus on maintaining its position as a leading global oil supplier and ensuring infrastructure resilience across its energy export systems.