Amid the ongoing war that has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, global oil giant Saudi Aramco has instead recorded a remarkable surge in profits. The Saudi state-owned company reported a 25% increase in net income during the first quarter of 2026.

This development indicates that Aramco has its own alternative route to avoid conflict zones. The company’s profit jumped to USD32.5 billion, or approximately Rp561 trillion using an exchange rate of Rp17,264 per US dollar, for the period ending March 31. The increase came as the world faced severe energy supply disruptions and soaring global crude oil prices caused by the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran.

Alternative Route Strategy Through the Red Sea

Aramco’s success was not merely a matter of luck. As Iran effectively controlled the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic route that normally handles around 20% of the world’s oil supply—Aramco implemented a strategic maneuver by redirecting its exports. Aramco CEO Amin Nasser revealed that the company had maximized the use of the East-West Pipeline.

This massive pipeline stretches across Saudi Arabia, transporting oil directly from eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, allowing tanker ships to avoid passing through the blocked and high-risk Strait of Hormuz.

“Our East-West Pipeline is currently operating at its full capacity of 7 million barrels per day,” Nasser stated.

He added that the move helped mitigate the impact of global energy disruptions while ensuring supply reliability for Aramco’s customers.

Global Oil Prices Remain Elevated

Although Saudi Arabia has successfully rerouted part of its exports, the global energy market remains under pressure. On Sunday, Brent crude oil prices climbed another 2.58% to USD103.91 per barrel.

While the price is still below the wartime peak that once reached USD119 per barrel, it remains significantly higher than the normal range of around USD70 before the war broke out at the end of February.

Nasser emphasized that recent developments serve as a strong reminder that stable energy supplies are crucial for the global economy.

“Energy security is extremely important, and Aramco is focused on leveraging our domestic infrastructure and global network to navigate these disruptions,” he added.