Alternative Export Routes for Middle Eastern Oil as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

By Patricia Miller

Apr 28, 2026

2 min read

Middle Eastern oil producers are exploring new export routes, reducing the odds of high crude prices by April 30 to 0.5%.

#Are Middle Eastern oil producers exploring new export routes?

Middle Eastern oil producers are looking for alternative export routes due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. With this development, the likelihood of crude oil reaching historic highs by April 30 has significantly decreased from 2% to just 0.5%.

The search for new trade pathways, including Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu and the UAE’s Fujairah, has alleviated some supply apprehensions. Early trading on the April 30 sub-market experienced a brief spike of one point before stabilizing, indicating that traders are factoring in the impact of these alternate routes on supply concerns.

#Why should investors care about these new export routes?

The formulation of a $10 billion pipeline network designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz has prompted traders to reassess the potential for sustained price increases in crude oil. Predictions about crude reaching $90 by the end of June and WTI crude hitting $160 by April 2026 have also experienced a decline, although the exact figures have yet to be confirmed.

In the market related to the all-time high by April 30, trading volume stands at $2,513 in actual USDC daily. The order book is relatively thin; only $695 is needed to influence the odds by five points. This condition makes the market susceptible to volatility due to larger scale trades. Currently, sentiment appears bearish regarding the possibility of crude oil achieving new record highs.

The information sourced from tier 3 indicates it originates from social media channels or aggregators. A YES share priced at 0.5¢ provides a payout of $1 if crude surpasses its historical peak by April 30, equating to a 200-fold return. For this bet to materialize successfully, the ongoing exploration of alternative routes must falter, and regional tensions must escalate.

#What should investors watch moving forward?

Investors should keep an eye on announcements regarding pipeline construction advancements or any alterations in OPEC+ production strategies, as either factor could significantly influence market odds in the lead-up to the April 30 resolution date.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.