Protecting critical energy infrastructure and supply routes requires coordinated international efforts, Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser said on Monday at the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.
Nasser highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in safeguarding its energy supplies but stressed that no country, regardless of its capabilities, could protect these resources independently.
The issue has global implications, as the Middle East holds approximately half of the world’s proven oil reserves and more than 90 percent of its spare oil production capacity.
“Markets can diversify suppliers. They cannot diversify geography,” Nasser said, pointing out that attacks on energy infrastructure in the region can disrupt economies worldwide.
Regional Conflict Raises Supply Concerns
His comments come as Saudi Arabia’s energy sector faces repeated attacks following the outbreak of regional conflict in late February. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that previously handled around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Iranian strikes and attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have targeted Saudi Aramco energy infrastructure, including facilities in Ras Tanura and Jubail, as well as the pipeline network supplying Yanbu.
These developments have highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supplies to disruptions in strategically important regions and reinforced the need for stronger international cooperation.
Saudi Arabia Focuses on Energy Resilience
Despite the crisis, Nasser said Saudi Arabia’s energy system had maintained a high level of reliability. He credited King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for supporting long-term investments that helped strengthen the sector’s ability to withstand disruptions.
He also praised Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for his steady leadership during the challenging period.
According to Nasser, the Kingdom’s resilience is the result of years of preparation. Key measures include strict facility standards, spare production capacity, multiple export routes, cybersecurity protections, financial strength and a skilled workforce.
Aramco Explores Additional Supply Routes
To strengthen its preparedness further, Aramco is working with the Ministry of Energy to examine additional routes for crude oil exports and expand storage facilities overseas.
The company is also introducing advanced technologies to inspect energy infrastructure, identify potential problems and speed up recovery when disruptions occur.
Nasser’s remarks underscored the importance of combining national preparedness with international cooperation to protect energy infrastructure and maintain reliable supplies to global markets during periods of geopolitical instability.
Also Read :- Saudi Aramco Cancels European Crude Deliveries
