Gulf oil exporters accelerate pipelines to bypass Strait of Hormuz
Oil‑producing Gulf states are fast‑tracking new and expanded pipeline projects to lessen reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, which handled about 14.95 million barrels of crude daily in 2025. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain are linking fields to ports on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Mediterranean, while Saudi Aramco raised the capacity of its east‑west pipeline to 7 million barrels per day in 2025, creating a surplus of roughly 5 million barrels for export. Analysts estimate that up to 11.5 million barrels per day of the remaining 13.26 million barrels could be redirected through the upgraded network once projects are completed, potentially by 2030‑31. Andrew Wilson of the maritime‑research firm BRS noted that Iran continues to ship about 1.69 million barrels per day via Hormuz and is unlikely to shift its strategy. The initiatives are being financed through international loans but face political and investment hurdles, particularly in Iraq where U.S. agencies oversee technical and financial aspects.
Entities: Andrew Wilson · Iran · Iraq · Saudi Arabia · Saudi Aramco · Strait of Hormuz · United Arab Emirates
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Up to 11.5 million barrels per day of the remaining 13.26 million barrels could be redirected through expanded pipelines. (Industry estimates cited in articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Iraq is reviving a pipeline route toward the Mediterranean. (Article reporting on Iraq's project)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Saudi Aramco increased the east‑west pipeline capacity to 7 million barrels per day in 2025. (Saudi Aramco announcement cited in article)
- [● 3 SOURCES] In 2025, about 14.95 million barrels per day of crude passed through the Strait of Hormuz. (International Energy Agency data cited in articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Iran exported approximately 1.69 million barrels per day via the Strait of Hormuz in 2025. (Andrew Wilson, BRS, quoted in articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Projects are financed by global loans and face political and investment challenges, especially in Iraq where the United States oversees technical and financial aspects. (Article analysis)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gulf countries are accelerating pipeline projects to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. (multiple articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The United Arab Emirates announced acceleration of a second pipeline outside the Strait of Hormuz. (UAE government statements cited in article)