Saudi Arabia to Expand East-West Pipeline Capacity to 10M bpd, Bypassing Hormuz

Saudi Arabia plans to raise the capacity of its East-West Petroline pipeline to 10 million bpd within 2-3 years, up from current 5.8 million bpd, to provide an alternative export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The expansion follows a two-week suspension due to drone attacks in September, highlighting ongoing security vulnerabilities. This move enhances Saudi export flexibility and reduces global reliance on the Hormuz chokepoint, with implications for oil supply security and tanker demand.