The kingdom is increasingly sending crude north through the Red Sea and Egypt’s Sumed pipeline, providing an alternative route to global markets. Analysts say maintaining exports through alternative routes could reinforce confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to manage energy supply during crises.

Credits: envato elements;

More than 1.9 million barrels of crude per day travelled through Egypt’s Sumed pipeline route in August, up from fewer than 650,000 barrels daily in June. Saudi Arabia accounts for most of these exports. Saudi Aramco is also increasing efforts to improve flexibility across its three export routes, while analysts say expansion of the East-West pipeline could add further capacity.