Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman announced on Monday at the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh that Saudi Arabia is accelerating its oil pipeline expansion plan, aiming to boost pipeline capacity to destinations beyond the Persian Gulf to 10 million barrels per day within two to three years. The plan includes upgrading pumping stations along the East-West Pipeline and converting a natural gas pipeline for crude oil transport. The converted gas pipeline could be operational in as little as seven to eight weeks, with an initial daily oil transport capacity of approximately 1.2 million barrels. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure against ongoing Houthi attacks and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.