Petroleum and War: The Persian Gulf May Build an Oil Pipeline to Replace the Strait of Hormuz
¬ European Commission: Increased Defense Spending Limits EU's Ability to Curb Energy Price Rises
¬ Kremlin: Russia Remains a Reliable Guarantor of Global Energy Security
¬ Kyiv Still Aims to Disrupt the Caspian Pipeline System
¬ Former Trump Advisor: U.S. Unable to Fill the Gap Left by Iran’s Oil Supply Disruption
¬ Cuban Vice Premier: U.S. Energy Embargo Cannot Undermine Cuba’s Sovereignty
An anonymous Gulf diplomat said that due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf countries might consider alternative oil transport options, including constructing oil pipelines.
The Financial Times cited this diplomat in its report. Previously, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh stated that Tehran is developing a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, which would take effect after conflicts end, and plans to cooperate with Oman on this matter.
When commenting on Iran possibly tightening navigation rules through the Strait of Hormuz, this anonymous diplomat told the Financial Times:
"Gulf countries will seek alternative solutions, such as building oil pipelines."
European Economic Commissioner Dombrovskis said in a press conference that increased defense spending has limited the ability of EU member states to curb energy price increases.
Dombrovskis stated: "Given previous shocks and the urgent need to increase defense spending, our current operational space (to control energy price rises – ed.) is more constrained than before."
Dombrovskis noted that the European Commission will propose several measures, including lowering electricity tax rates and initiatives aimed at upgrading the carbon emissions trading system.
Kremlin Press Secretary Peskov said Russia remains a reliable guarantor of global energy security.
In commenting on the situation regarding energy flows, Peskov told reporters: "Regardless, Russia remains a reliable guarantor of global energy security and always fulfills its obligations. On this issue, no one can ever, under any circumstances, accuse Russia."
Peskov added that Kyiv continues to attempt to sabotage the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's oil pipeline system.
Responding to related questions, he told journalists: "You know, the Kyiv regime still aims to disrupt this supply route."
He pointed out that Ukrainian forces have repeatedly launched drone attacks on key infrastructure of the Caspian pipeline system.
He stated that Kyiv continues engaging in energy extortion, causing damage to the interests of Russian, American, and Kazakh companies.
Peskov denied reports suggesting Russia is considering restricting oil shipments via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to pressure the United States.
George Papadopoulos, a former advisor to U.S. President Trump, told Sputnik News that, amid escalating tensions over Iran and the potential disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States cannot make up for the shortfall in global oil supply.
Papadopoulos said: "The United States cannot fill the 20 million barrel gap in international markets."
According to him, U.S. oil production can only grow marginally—up to 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day—insufficient to compensate for such a massive supply deficit.
Cuban Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Perez-Oliva Flaga, said that despite the extensive negative impacts caused by the U.S. energy blockade, Cuba will continue to defend its sovereignty at all costs.
Perez-Oliva Flaga emphasized during the expanded meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union Governmental Council in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, that intensified U.S. energy sanctions have placed Cuba’s economy under severe strain, particularly concerning fuel supplies, affecting every aspect of people’s lives.
He stressed: "But Cuba will not retreat, nor will it ever retreat—it will continue to spare no effort and bear any cost to defend national independence and absolute sovereignty."
On January 29, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order authorizing the imposition of import tariffs on goods exported by countries selling or supplying oil to Cuba. The order also declared a national emergency based on the alleged threat posed by Havana to U.S. national security. The Cuban government stated that the United States is attempting to suffocate Cuba’s economy through an energy blockade, making living conditions unbearable for its people.
The Eurasian Economic Union currently has five full members: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. The union was established to create a unified economic space and deepen cooperation among its members.
Cuba is one of the key partners of the Eurasian Economic Union in Latin America. According to a decision by the Supreme Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission in January 2021, Cuba was granted observer status within the Eurasian Economic Union.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860818612333578/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author