Oman Seeks LNG Export Routes Bypassing Hormuz Amid Global Energy Turmoil

Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, H E Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi, has called for alternative export routes for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The minister made this statement at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, where he emphasized that while oil and gas production fundamentals remain unchanged, the immediate challenge is transporting energy from production sites to consumption areas.

The global energy industry is grappling with rising demand, accelerating electrification, and growing energy security concerns. H E Al Aufi pointed out the need for diversifying supply options and developing alternative export routes, suggesting that this could be done through other regions or countries in the area.

Oman already has an LNG export facility at Qalhat, near Sur on its southeastern coast, which does not rely on shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The minister's comments come as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Gas considers establishing a new LNG export facility outside the Strait of Hormuz.