Kuwait has started discussions with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to develop a new crude oil export pipeline that would avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Tariq Sulaiman Al-Roumi said on Monday.
Speaking to Japan’s Kyodo News, Al-Roumi said officials are evaluating multiple routes to safeguard future energy exports. One proposal would connect Kuwait to Saudi Arabia before reaching the Red Sea or Oman. Another option would link Kuwait with the UAE’s Fujairah port.
He said Kuwait is consulting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional partners to identify the most practical and affordable route. Moreover, he described the proposed pipeline as a massive infrastructure project requiring close regional cooperation.
Al-Roumi said Kuwait’s crude oil exports have completely halted because Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. He added that damaged oil storage facilities would require at least one year to rebuild after recent attacks.
Before the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified in late February, Kuwait ranked among Japan’s major crude oil suppliers. However, the closure of the strategic waterway has disrupted those shipments.
The minister stressed that Kuwait cannot export oil while the Strait of Hormuz remains inaccessible. Consequently, he said the country’s oil exports have dropped to zero until maritime traffic resumes.
Furthermore, Al-Roumi described Japan as one of Kuwait’s key strategic customers for crude oil and refined petroleum products. He revealed that Kuwait is also discussing plans to expand strategic oil reserves in friendly countries to improve supply security.
Meanwhile, Al-Roumi condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf states. He emphasized that Kuwait has not carried out any military action against Iran.
He also said Kuwait’s vital infrastructure, including its oil facilities, remains protected by air defence systems. Nevertheless, the government plans to strengthen those capabilities further in response to the ongoing regional security crisis.
