DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is speeding up the construction of a new oil pipeline that will avoid the Strait of Hormuz, according to official reports released on Friday. This move comes in response to disruptions in oil exports caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The new West-East Pipeline will significantly increase the capacity of the state oil company, ADNOC, allowing it to transport more oil through Fujairah port. The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that the pipeline is expected to be operational by next year.
Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has instructed ADNOC to prioritize the completion of this project, emphasizing its importance for the country’s oil exports.
Currently, there is a 360-kilometer (about 224 miles) pipeline running from the Habshan oil fields to Fujairah, which has a daily capacity of 1.8 million barrels, as noted by the Port of Fujairah.
The UAE recently surprised many by leaving the oil cartel OPEC earlier this month and has plans to boost its oil production capacity to five million barrels per day by next year.
Fujairah’s oil facilities have faced several attacks during the ongoing conflict, with a recent incident on May 4 leaving three Indian nationals injured.
