pipeline review D ata from Global Energy Monitor’s Global Oil Infrastructure Tracker shows the Middle East leading the continuing global expansion of crude oil transmission pipelines, as countries maintain and expanding their production and export facilities. Around 7,073 km of crude oil pipelines are under development (proposed and under construction) in the region, at an estimated capex of US$49.7bn, with Iraq and Iran topping the list. Data in the Global Gas Infrastructure Tracker show that 8,169 km of gas pipelines are under development in the Middle East at a cost of US$67.9bn, with Iran and Saudi Arabia leading the ranking. In Iran, new pipelines will help to meet high domestic demand from its industrial petrochemicals and residential sectors, while in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states gas pipelines will support a shift to gas as a result of energy transition strategies and plans to develop global gas businesses (see page 14). Saudi Arabia’s Jafurah unconventional gas development for example involves a network of around 1,500 km of main transfer pipelines, flowlines and gas gathering pipelines; while contracts have recently been Image Credit: Adobe Stock Pipeline developments provide big opportunities 21 ISSUE 5 2024 | oilreviewmiddleeast.com Expanding pipeline networks in the Middle East are offering fertile opportunities for contractors and technology providers. Major oil and gas pipeline developments are underway in the region.