Saudi Arabia Plans to Bypass the Strait of Hormuz: An Alternative Oil Route Takes Shape.

Iran's Potential Grip on the Strait of Hormuz Sparks Concern

According to TSN.ua: The prospect of Iran exerting control over the Strait of Hormuz is driving Gulf nations to explore new pathways for oil and gas exports. A leading option involves expanding current pipeline networks, notably Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which stretches 1,200 kilometers and moves around 7 million barrels of crude daily. Replicating this pipeline would require at least $5 billion in investment.

To put this in perspective, Saudi Arabia currently exports 10.2 million barrels of oil per day. Faced with the Iranian threat, regional countries are weighing strategies to boost pipeline exports that circumvent the Strait of Hormuz. However, launching new projects faces major hurdles. For instance, complex international routes from Iraq through Jordan, Syria, or Turkey could cost between $15 billion and $20 billion.

Alternative Routes and Their Obstacles

An energy manager remarked:

“Looking back, the East-West pipeline was a brilliant strategic move.”

This highlights the critical need for reliable oil supply routes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Energy expert Christopher Bush noted:

“This has been considered before. There are even engineering studies for such routes from Iraq.”

He added: “I'm sure they're looking at this as one option. A lot of smart people are working on it right now.”

People in the region recognize the importance of shaping their own destiny, as Yossi Abu put it: “People must control their fate together with friends.” This reflects growing attention to potential alternative energy export routes that could reduce reliance on traditional paths through the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz is causing serious unease among Gulf nations, which are actively seeking solutions to ensure uninterrupted oil and gas exports. The prospects for new pipelines remain uncertain, but discussions and studies of alternatives continue as the region aims to mitigate risks tied to Iranian control.

Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf and the possibility of Iran dominating key transport corridors are pushing regional countries to search for fresh energy export channels. Expanding pipelines like the East-West link could become a cornerstone for stabilizing energy supplies, though new projects demand hefty investments and face diverse challenges. Over the long term, this could reshape the region's energy landscape, lessening dependence on traditional routes through the Strait of Hormuz.