Saudi Aramco expands East-West Pipeline to bypass Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Aramco has begun expanding its East-West Pipeline capacity from 7 million to 10 million barrels per day, CEO Amin Nasser said Tuesday, aiming to secure a key crude export route amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Nasser confirmed on a third-quarter results call that work on the pipeline and additional networks has already started. Aramco is also conducting engineering studies on existing export routes, including via Hormuz and the Suez Canal. The expansion bolsters Saudi Arabia's ability to bypass the strategic strait, which handles a significant share of global oil shipments. Nasser said details on other route upgrades will be withheld until final investment decisions are made.