Saudi energy minister: Alternative pipelines cost far less than their absence

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Abdulaziz bin Salman said the Kingdom continues to strengthen the resilience of its energy system by developing additional and alternative pipelines, noting that the cost of building this infrastructure, though high, is far less than the price of lacking alternatives during crises.

Speaking at the opening of the International Energy Forum meetings, the energy minister said current global circumstances require countries to work together and enhance dialogue on energy security issues, stressing that Saudi Arabia's commitment to global energy security is "inevitable."

Abdulaziz bin Salman described Riyadh as the "capital of energy security," emphasizing that resilience is an integral part of the Saudi economy.

He explained that the East-West oil pipeline is a practical example of the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring supply security and the uninterrupted flow of energy to global markets. He revealed that Saudi Arabia is working on developing additional pipelines to provide more strategic alternatives for transporting oil and energy.

The minister added that building and maintaining energy infrastructure requires years of work and huge investments, affirming that constructing new transport lines is expensive, "but the cost of having no alternatives is much greater," especially amid geopolitical challenges and disruptions that may affect traditional shipping routes. He also noted that the East-West pipeline offers a strategic outlet for transporting oil away from congested maritime corridors, enhancing supply reliability and resilience.

The energy minister concluded by reaffirming that Saudi Arabia remains committed to pursuing its future plans and ambitions in the energy sector, stating that "nothing and no one can stand in the way of these ambitions."