World's largest oil company reports 25% profit jump as exports via Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline bypass Strait of Hormuz closure | Fortune

"Aramco reported a profit of $32.5 billion for the quarter ending March 31. The state-owned company had reported a 12% decline in annual profits in 2025. Aramco’s first-quarter performance reflects strong resilience and operational flexibility in a complex geopolitical environment, Amin H. Nasser said in a statement, adding that the company’s East-West Pipeline, which runs across Saudi Arabia from its Eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, is now operating at its maximum capacity of 7 million barrels of oil per day."

"Nasser said the pipeline is “helping to mitigate the impact of a global energy shock and providing relief to customers.” However, it cannot replace the capacity lost to the shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, 20% of the world’s traded oil typically flowed through the strait every day, as well as large supplies of natural gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products."

"Iran effectively seized control of the critical waterway after the U.S. and Israel attacked it on Feb. 28 and a U.S. naval blockade imposed last month also complicates its use. “Recent events have clearly demonstrated the vital contribution of oil and gas to energy security and the global economy, and are a stark reminder that reliable energy supply is critical,” Nasser said in a statement. “Despite these headwinds, Aramco remains focused on its strategic priorities and is leveraging both its domestic infrastructure and its global network to navigate disruption.”"

Aramco reported first-quarter profit of $32.5 billion, up 25% from the prior year. The increase came as exports rose through the East-West Pipeline, which moves oil from Saudi Arabia’s eastern fields to the Red Sea and is operating at maximum capacity of 7 million barrels per day. The pipeline helps mitigate a global energy shock and provides relief to customers. The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted by the Iran war, and it previously carried about 20% of the world’s traded oil daily. Iran’s control of the waterway and a U.S. naval blockade complicate its use, and pipeline capacity cannot fully replace lost shipping capacity. Aramco emphasized energy security and continued focus on strategic priorities using domestic infrastructure and its global network.

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