Abstract: In the process of pipeline operation, due to the external soil environment and other factors, the oil and gas pipeline has the risk of external corrosion potential. In serious cases, it will cause pipeline failure, resulting in economic losses, environmental pollution, casualties, and other adverse effects. To ensure safe operation and long-term stability, it is crucial to review the risk sources of external pipeline corrosion and conduct risk assessment methods. In this study, firstly, the risk sources of oil and gas pipeline corrosion were identified and deeply analyzed, and a pipeline failure risk assessment system consisting of three primary indicators and 14 secondary indicators was established. Then, the Ifuzzy-DEMATEL risk assessment method was proposed to analyze the influence relationship between the indicators and derive the importance degree of each indicator in the assessment index system. Finally, to get the weight of each indicator, the centrality was normalized, and the risk assessment of the external corrosion pipeline was carried out by combining the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method. Based on case studies 'analysis, the proposed risk assessment method improves the accuracy of the conventional assessment results that failed to reach due to neglecting the interaction and joint influence of the influencing factors and complies with on- site risk assessments. This research thus provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the safety management of oil and gas pipelines affected by external corrosion.