Oil and gas pipelines are the lifelines of the world energy systems that enable the effective transfer of hydrocarbons over large distances. The global pipelines network in transmission by the end of the year 2021 was approximately 2,069,740 km, including crude oil and petroleum products pipelines, natural gas and natural gas liquid (NGL) pipelines. (Offshore Technology)

This large extent of networking is essential for addressing the global energy needs and the act of development.

Global Overview of Oil and Gas Pipelines

North America region has the most pipeline infrastructure; however, the United States has the highest number of pipeline networks. The United States alone gets to share approximately 814,596 km of the transmission pipelines shown below, which clearly depict the country’s importance in the overall energy transportation. (Offshore Technology)

Russia ranks second with 312,000 km, followed by Canada with 123,936 km. These pipelines are hugely important to the ability of transporting energy resources from production areas to refineries as well as consumers globally.

Recent Developments in Pipeline Projects

The expansion of oil and gas pipelines continues unabated, with significant projects underway across various regions:

• Russia-Iran Gas Pipeline: In January 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country intends to build a pipeline for natural gas to Iran and is expected to export 55 Bcm of gas per year. This initiative is testimony to more enhanced energy cooperation between the two countries. Reuters
• U.S. Gulf Coast Expansion: The United States is increasing export capacity along the Gulf Coast. In particular, the Sea Port Oil Terminal (SPOT) got the deepwater port license in April 2024 to accommodate large crude carriers and increase oil export by up to two million barrels per day. (Global Energy Monitor)

Security Concerns and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

The security of subsea pipelines has garnered attention due to recent incidents:

• Subsea Infrastructure Sabotage: Cases of subsea cables and pipelines” jihad” in locations such as the Baltic Sea have been felt to pose a high risk to the resiliency of energy infrastructure. These occurrences have forced countries to up the security brief and increase monitoring of structures and facilities on the seabed. (Financial Times)

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability Efforts

The environmental impact of pipeline projects is a subject of ongoing debate:

• Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs): Large-scale energy players have locked up billions of SLLs meant to establish corporate social responsibility towards the environment. Nevertheless, a few researchers explore the situation in which some firms are still increasing the development of the fossil fuel sector without significant sustainability policies, thereby causing scepticism about “greenwashing.”  ( AP News).

Future Outlook and Strategic Shifts

The global landscape of oil and gas pipelines is evolving:

• Europe's Shift to U.S. Gas: The European market is expanding its gas imports from the United States because of security concerns and the plan to cut Russian energy dependence. This transition needs careful management yet demonstrates strong moves to upgrade energy supply methods.  Reuters
• Pipeline Expansion in Asia and Africa: Asian and African regions lead the way in new pipeline construction to enhance exports while providing their countries with sufficient energy resources. The fast expansion of international energy networks demonstrates how energy systems transform over time.  Global Energy Monitor

Conclusion

The global energy system depends on oil and gas pipeline networks to evolve with changing political and security standards while addressing environmental concerns. Our approach to building and operating pipelines has a direct impact on how energy gets distributed as the world balances growth demands with environmental protection.