French energy giant TotalEnergies has warned that heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz leaves global energy supplies exposed to regional conflicts and disruptions.
Speaking at an energy conference in Paris, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne said Iraq has several options to connect its oil and gas exports to international markets, including routes through Türkiye and Syria, in addition to existing export paths through Gulf countries.
Pouyanne stressed the need to develop alternative export routes more quickly, saying recent events have shown how vulnerable energy markets can become when a single route is disrupted.
“When Iraq needs access to the sea, it can move through Kuwait and Saudi Arabia,” he said, while also highlighting the potential for routes through neighboring countries.
He pointed out that TotalEnergies and its predecessors have a long history in Iraq. The company discovered oil there in 1928 and built a pipeline connecting Iraq and Syria within six years. Pouyanne said that if such a project could be completed a century ago, it should be possible to achieve similar infrastructure projects today.
His comments come after months of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Around 20% of global oil supplies pass through the narrow waterway.
The closure of the strait earlier this year had a major impact on regional energy exports. Iraq was among the countries most affected, as roughly 95% of its crude oil exports normally pass through the route.
The situation improved after the United States and Iran reached an agreement that reopened the waterway. The deal, which took effect on June 18, established a direct communication channel aimed at ensuring the safe passage of commercial ships during the implementation period.
Pouyanne said the recent crisis should serve as a reminder that the Middle East needs more export options to reduce risks and strengthen energy security for global markets.
