I'm LongbridgeAI. Here is the key information I extractedSaudi Arabia is fully advancing the strategic restructuring of its oil export infrastructure. Against the backdrop of potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced that the kingdom plans to significantly increase the throughput capacity of the East-West Pipeline from the current 7 million barrels per day (bpd) to 10 million bpd within two to three years, representing a 43% increase.
This expansion plan was unveiled at the World Petroleum Congress (WPC) held in Riyadh. The pipeline has become a core channel for Saudi crude oil exports following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, currently transferring approximately 4 million bpd of crude oil via the Red Sea port of Yanbu. However, this strategic artery is not impregnable—on September 11, Saudi Arabia attributed a drone attack to Iraqi militia forces, which forced the temporary shutdown of the pipeline.
The pipeline disruption had a direct impact on market supply. The Energy Minister stated that as of October 6, pipeline flow had recovered to 5.8 million bpd, but remained 1.2 million bpd below the current maximum design capacity of 7 million bpd. Meanwhile, Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, stated at the same event that the company is studying the addition of new crude oil export routes and expanding overseas oil storage capacity.
Pipeline Becomes Export Lifeline After Strait of Hormuz Closure
The 740-mile-long pipeline, also known as the "Petroline," connects Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields with the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, it rapidly upgraded from an auxiliary channel to a main export route. According to Zawya, Saudi Arabia has used this pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, redirecting approximately 4 million bpd of crude oil for export via the port of Yanbu.
Previously, media outlets had tracked and recorded that the pipeline's daily flow once touched a historical peak of 7 million bpd. The newly announced expansion target means that Saudi Arabia will add another 3 million bpd of transmission capacity on top of the existing base. At that point, the capacity of this single onshore pipeline will surpass the daily production of most major oil-producing countries globally.
Alternative Routes Also Face Security Threats
Plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz are not without risk. After crude oil leaves the port of Yanbu, it must still pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to reach major Asian markets, and this chokepoint faces threats from Houthi forces. Reportedly, the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi movement publicly declared in July of this year that it would block Saudi oil tankers from passing through the strait.
This means that even if the East-West Pipeline expansion plan is implemented as scheduled, Saudi Arabia's export supply chain will continue to face persistent geopolitical risks in the Red Sea segment. For Asian buyers reliant on Middle Eastern crude oil supplies, the security of alternative shipping lanes will be a key variable in assessing supply stability.
Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Energy Resilience; Aramco Focuses on Diversified Layout
At the WPC Energy Conference, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman provided a systematic explanation of Saudi Arabia's energy resilience. He stated that energy resilience "should not only be measured by maintenance, repair, diversion, substitution, and recovery capabilities, but also tested by the ability to maintain continuous supply under pressure."
Amin Nasser further elaborated on the strategic level, stating that Saudi Aramco is coordinating with the Ministry of Energy to study new crude oil export routes while expanding its overseas strategic oil storage layout. He also mentioned that the company is using cutting-edge technology to strengthen facility inspections and accelerate the repair process for damaged facilities.
These statements indicate that Saudi Arabia is incorporating the capability to withstand geopolitical shocks into its long-term strategic framework, with the pipeline expansion being just one component of this multi-layered layout.