Saudi Arabia Eyes 1.2M bpd Oil Boost via Gas Pipeline Conversion

Key Facts

1Saudi Arabia is considering converting a gas pipeline to carry crude oil, potentially adding 1.2 million bpd within seven to eight weeks.

2The Saudi Energy Ministry aims to raise total pipeline export capacity to 10 million bpd over the next two to three years.

3Increased exports may face constraints due to Yanbu port's loading capacity, which is limited to approximately 4.5 million bpd.

Saudi Arabia is considering converting a gas pipeline to carry crude oil, a move that could add 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of capacity within seven to eight weeks. InvestingLive reported that the Saudi Energy Ministry aims to increase total pipeline export capacity to 10 million bpd over the next two to three years. The plan is designed to mitigate supply risks and bypass maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The potential increase in exports may face constraints due to loading capacity at the Yanbu port, which is limited to approximately 4.5 million bpd. This infrastructure push follows remarks by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on October 6, 2026, noting that flows had recovered to nearly 6 million bpd. In related energy data, the API crude oil stock change showed a decrease of 2.09 million barrels for the week ending October 6, 2026.