Houthi Activity in Yemen Raises Concerns Over Regional Oil Supply and Global Shipping Routes

Tehran. Concerns are being raised over increased risks to regional oil supply and international maritime shipping due to the recent activity of the Houthi group in Yemen amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz has already been blocked for nearly a month.

Now, signs indicate that the Houthis may target another crucial maritime route, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strait connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Travel through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as the 'Gate of Tears,' is considered challenging.

Its narrowest point is about 29 kilometers wide. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, over 30 million tons of natural gas were transported through this route in just the first eleven months of 2023. About 12 percent of the world's seaborne oil trade passed through this route.

Previously, the Houthis had attacked more than 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks escalated after Israel launched military operations in Gaza.

Attacks were temporarily announced to have stopped in November. Due to these attacks, many ships had to use the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope, which increased both time and cost.

According to an official from the Houthi Ministry of Information, blocking traffic in that strait is a possible option. Iranian sources have warned that further escalation could occur if the United States attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has begun rerouting its oil exports using pipelines via the Yanbu port on its western coast, which is reported to have a daily capacity of up to 7 million barrels. This has led to an increase in tanker traffic in the Red Sea region.