Kuwait explores alternative routes for oil exports amid Strait of Hormuz risks

Kuwait City, Aug 12: Kuwait is focusing on developing alternative routes and pipeline networks for oil exports amid growing geopolitical risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Arab Times Kuwait, experts believe that excessive reliance on the Strait of Hormuz could pose risks to the economic security of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. They have called for accelerating alternative oil transportation routes through Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Economist and former adviser to the finance minister Mohammed Ramadan said Gulf countries had several alternative routes connected through the land and coastal areas of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. Activating these routes could help reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for global energy trade.

He clarified that the objective was not to completely bypass the Strait of Hormuz but to reduce dependence on it for energy transportation and limit the possibility of any single party gaining complete control over the strategic waterway.

Economic and legal expert Salem Al-Kandari urged Kuwait to reduce its traditional reliance on Asian markets for oil exports and focus on expanding access to European and African markets.

He identified Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline as an important alternative for transporting Kuwaiti oil to Europe and Africa. According to him, the pipeline leading to the Red Sea port of Yanbu could provide a secure and reliable strategic route for Gulf oil exports.

Experts said the development of alternative routes could help Gulf countries protect their energy exports, to some extent, from potential geopolitical risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors, carrying a significant volume of global oil and energy shipments. Amid continuing regional tensions, efforts to develop alternative export routes are gaining greater importance in the energy and economic security strategies of Gulf countries.