Saudi Arabia is looking to increase its oil transfer capacity through pipelines to 10 million barrels per day within the next two to three years. This news was announced by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
Infrastructure Development Following Recent Attacks
This decision comes as Saudi Arabia is facing repeated attacks by the Houthis on its energy and air infrastructure. The Saudi Energy Minister stated that the country is seeking to enhance resilience against these attacks. The plans include improving the pumping stations on the East-West pipeline, which has gained special importance since the onset of the war between the United States and Iran, and revising the use of gas pipelines for oil transfer.
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The East-West pipeline transported 5.8 million barrels of oil daily on October 6, 2026, a figure achieved after resuming operations following a drone attack in September. This pipeline plays a vital role in exporting oil from the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea and supplying refineries on Saudi Arabia's western coast.
Future Plans and Collaboration with Aramco
Prince Abdulaziz mentioned at the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh that they might reach the capacity of 10 million barrels within the next two to three years. He also reported on the improvement of the pumping stations on the East-West pipeline and added that the refurbished gas pipeline could transport about 1.2 million barrels of oil within seven to eight weeks, and with further investment, this capacity could increase to 3 million barrels.
This initial arrangement will be temporary. Prince Abdulaziz stated that he told Aramco's CEO, Amin Nasser, that this pipeline could transport oil until May, after which it would need to be cleaned and returned to its original state to supply domestic gas in the summer.
Saudi Arabia is collaborating with Aramco for the dual-use capabilities of this pipeline, such that pumping stations and compressors are installed to allow the pipeline to transport either oil or gas depending on the conditions.
The Energy Minister also highlighted the value of the East-West pipeline during crises, stating that its use has fully compensated for its costs. This route connects Saudi Arabia's eastern oil production region to the Red Sea and serves as an alternative option for transporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
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