Houthi Threats Fail to Disrupt Bab el-Mandeb Strait Oil Traffic

Despite ongoing threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, dozens of vessels continue to navigate the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.

A recent analysis by the New York Times found that while some ships have altered their course and executed U-turns due to rising uncertainty and maritime safety concerns, 43 vessels crossed the strait on Thursday, up from 35 the previous day.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted at least three oil tankers in the past week, with the latest strike occurring on Friday. The threat of disruption has led shipping operators to consider alternative routes via the Suez Canal, but this option is both longer and more expensive.

As a result of concurrent disruptions across both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, analysts estimate that approximately a quarter of global oil supply is currently exposed to risk. The escalating uncertainty has driven benchmark crude prices upward, with Brent crude nearing $100 per barrel this week.