Saudi Aramco eyes East-West Pipeline expansion to bypass Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Aramco is pursuing infrastructure upgrades aimed at securing alternative export routes for its crude oil, according to industry sources familiar with the company's strategic planning. The exploration includes a potential expansion of the East-West Pipeline, which currently channels Saudi oil from the kingdom's eastern fields westward to Red Sea loading terminals.

The move reflects broader efforts by the Saudi energy sector to diversify its export pathways and reduce vulnerability to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes. By routing more crude westward to Red Sea ports, Aramco would circumvent the narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman.

Beyond pipeline enhancements, Aramco is also examining the feasibility of expanding international storage capacity, which would provide additional flexibility in managing global supply chains and responding to market fluctuations. The company has not disclosed specific timelines or investment figures for the proposed projects.

The strategic review underscores Saudi Arabia's long-standing interest in maximizing export options for its vast crude reserves. Geopolitical tensions and shipping risks in the Gulf region have periodically disrupted energy markets, making alternative export infrastructure increasingly valuable to regional producers and their customers worldwide.