Several pipelines with a combined capacity of nearly 6 million barrels per day offer routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. However, despite this theoretical capacity, actual utilization is limited by infrastructure, geopolitical factors, and logistical constraints.
These alternative routes, primarily located in the Middle East, could provide some relief if tensions disrupt traffic through the strait. Still, fully relying on them remains difficult due to technical and political complexities.
**Why this matters**
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Any disruption there can significantly impact global oil supply and prices. Understanding the capacity and limitations of alternative routes helps assess the risks and resilience of energy markets in the face of regional instability.