The Pipeline That Could Bypass Hormuz

With the Strait of Hormuz grinding to a halt amid escalating war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Egypt is emerging as a critical alternative for global oil supplies.

The SUMED pipeline, stretching 320 kilometers from Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean, can transport up to 2.5 million barrels of crude per day—enough to replace a significant portion of what normally passes through the Gulf choke point.

Owned by an Arab consortium including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, the pipeline offers a strategic detour for Gulf oil exports, avoiding conflict-prone maritime routes.

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum, Karim Badawi, has confirmed the country’s readiness to facilitate crude oil transport through SUMED, positioning Cairo as a key player in maintaining global energy security during the crisis.

For jittery markets, the pipeline is more than infrastructure—it’s insurance.