Saudi Arabia's contingency plan: Decades before the Strait of Hormuz became a flashpoint, Saudi Arabia constructed a 1,200-kilometer east-west oil pipeline, stretching from Abqaiq on the Persian Gulf to Yanbu port on the Red Sea coast, effectively linking Saudi Arabia’s Gulf oil fields with Red Sea shipping routes. (Image source: U.S. Department of Energy)
Current capacity is approaching 7 million barrels per day, allowing oil to be exported through Yanbu Port and successfully bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Due to the current situation at the Strait of Hormuz, maritime traffic has nearly come to a standstill. As a result, Saudi exports have rerouted westward, continuing to flow into global markets. Only Saudi Arabia possesses such capability—no other Gulf nation has this option.
If not for this alternative capacity, today’s supply disruptions would be far more severe. It must be acknowledged that Saudi Arabia has been proactively preparing for potential crises by building multiple contingency measures.
However, militarily speaking, this east-west oil pipeline lies within range of Iranian missiles and drones.
As for the other Red Sea exit point, whether cargo ships and oil tankers can pass safely depends entirely on the color of the Houthi forces.
Thus, the royal family cannot yet rest easy.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861005461889216/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.