As the war between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to choke the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf countries are reportedly considering pipeline projects to continue exporting oil and gas.
Saudi Arabia is planning on capitalising on the 1,200 km East-West pipeline, which delivers 7mn barrels of oil a day to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, effectively bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Gulf energy executive called using the pipeline a 'genius masterstroke.'
The measures can consist of expanding the capacity of the pipeline or building new routes, with Saudi considering transporting most of its 10.2 million barrels of daily production through the pipeline.
However, experts point out major obstacles in the plan, including the cost of replicating the East-West pipeline today, which would be at least $5 billion, and security risks from unexploded bombs in Iraq and the continuing presence of ISIS or other militants.
