Saudi Oil Tankers Go Dark in Red Sea Amid Houthi Threats

Saudi oil tankers are going 'dark' in the Red Sea to avoid Houthi attacks, reducing visibility into Saudi crude exports. Since July 20, when the Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, several attacks have been claimed on Saudi-linked tankers and facilities.

Ship-tracking firms have differing export estimates due to this trend of 'dark' voyages. In the week beginning August 3, Vortexa estimated Yanbu loadings fell to 2.38 million barrels per day from 2.71 million the previous week, while Kpler estimated a sharper drop to 1.78 million bpd from 4.04 million.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of the Red Sea has been particularly affected by Houthi attacks. An average of 32 vessels a day transited the waterway last week, down from about 50 a day before the group announced its latest blockade.