Iraqi Observatory: 4 alternative routes for oil exports instead of Hormuz
Iraqi Observatory: 4 alternative routes for oil exports instead of Hormuz
2026-08-30
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, the Economic Affairs Observatory “Eco Iraq” proposed adopting four strategic routes for oil export pipelines, with the aim of diversifying export outlets and reducing Iraq’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, in light of the repercussions of the war in the region and the cessation of Iraqi oil exports through the strait .
The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Iraq is among the countries most economically affected by the war in the region, as a result of the cessation of its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need to adopt alternative export methods through pipeline networks to ensure the continued flow of oil to global markets.
The observatory explained that the first route is the new Levant road: Basra-Haditha-Aqaba, which allows access to the Red Sea away from the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the second route is Haditha-Banias, to link Iraqi oil to the Mediterranean Sea via Syrian territory, and open an additional outlet towards European markets .
He pointed out that the third proposed route is Basra-Saudi Arabia-Oman, to reach the Arabian Sea and Asian markets without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. As for the fourth route, it is Haditha-Kirkuk-Ceyhan, to enhance the northern export outlet and link Iraqi oil to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea .
The observatory believes that “a modern city in Anbar province could become a major hub for the Iraqi oil pipeline network, by linking the southern lines to export outlets in Jordan, Syria and Turkey, with the possibility of developing additional routes in the future .”
He concluded that diversifying export outlets does not mean abandoning the Gulf, but rather aims to reduce the risks of relying on a single outlet and ensure the continuity of oil exports, thereby enhancing the resilience of the Iraqi economy and the security of its revenues.
Arab countries, including Iraq, have increased their reliance on six oil pipelines to ensure the flow of their exports away from the Strait of Hormuz, including routes that are currently operational and others that are in the planning and development stages, according to a report by the Energy Platform, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency.
shafaq.com
