Saudi Arabia counters Iran's blockade, routes crude through desert
Saudi Arabia plots route around Iran blockade (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia has brought its strategic East–West oil pipeline to full capacity for the first time in history. This move will help partially offset the effects of the energy crisis triggered by operations against Iran, according to Al Arabiya.
Industry sources state that, as of March 28, the massive desert pipeline is transporting 7 million barrels per day. This is a record high for the 1,200-kilometer-long artery, built in 1981 as a contingency in case the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.
Of this volume, about 5 million barrels are directed for export via terminals in the Red Sea port of Yanbu, while the remainder goes to domestic refineries. To reach these levels, Aramco completed the conversion of adjacent crude oil transport lines earlier this month.
The Petroline pipeline cannot fully replace the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, but it remains a lifeline for the global economy. It allows oil to flow directly from the Gulf fields to the Red Sea. Other routes, such as the ADCOP pipeline in the UAE (1.5 million barrels/day), have significantly lower capacity.
.jpg)
Photo: Reddit
However, the infrastructure remains vulnerable. Previously, the pipeline had already been targeted by drones operated by Yemeni Houthis. In addition, access to the Red Sea is now also at risk due to tensions in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
There is also a technical bottleneck as the pipeline's capacity (7 million barrels per day) exceeds the loading capabilities of the Yanbu port, creating a logistical choke point.
On March 18, Saudi Arabia announced an alternative route for oil shipments while the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. This involves the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, though several challenges remain.
Strait of Hormuz: Iran's blockade
In response to US-Israeli military operations, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 20% of global oil supplies pass. Disruptions have already driven up prices.
US President Donald Trump called on Europe and other countries to help reopen the strait. However, he faced refusals, notably from France and Germany, after which he called the NATO allies' rejection a "very foolish mistake."
Some countries have reached agreements with Iran allowing tankers to pass through the strait. Recently, Tehran agreed to permit 20 Pakistan-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Thailand had reached an agreement with Iran for the safe passage of Thai oil tankers through the strait.
