Gulf Nations Rethink Oil Export Routes Amid Hormuz Strait Disruptions

Persistent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have prompted Gulf oil-producing countries to accelerate plans for pipelines that can bypass the narrow waterway. The Strait remains the most important route for global oil trade, but tensions in the region have led countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq to explore alternative export routes. Saudi Arabia has increased its East-West Pipeline capacity to 7 million barrels per day, while the UAE plans to double its export capacity through Fujairah port by 2027. Iraq is also reviving a pipeline project to connect its oil fields to the Mediterranean coast. Kuwait and Bahrain are considering connecting to Saudi Arabia's pipeline network.