Saudi Arabia and Qatar explore energy export routes around Hormuz

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  Saudi Arabia and Qatar are exploring new pipelines to export oil and gas without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

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  The proposals follow tensions that highlighted the risks of dependence on the strait.

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  One option would send Qatari gas to a liquefaction plant in Fujairah or Oman, at an estimated cost of about $25 billion.

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  The project has not been approved.

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  Saudi Aramco is investing more than $100 billion in the Jafurah field, with a goal of increasing Saudi gas production by 80% by 2030 compared with 2021 levels.

Who

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are exploring export options. Aramco is expanding Saudi gas production.

What

They are considering new routes to export oil and gas that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

When

The report was published on October 12, 2026; the production target is for 2030.

Where

The proposed routes would avoid the Strait of Hormuz. One option would take Qatari gas to a liquefaction plant in Fujairah or Oman.

Why

Tensions exposed the risks of relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.