Saudi Oil Route Disrupted Again: India- and China-Bound Tankers Turn Back Amid Houthi Threats, Global Oil Prices Climb

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has intensified, disrupting another crucial global oil shipping route after the Strait of Hormuz. Two crude oil tankers carrying Saudi oil to India and China were forced to reverse course after Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to target vessels linked to Saudi oil exports.

The tankers had loaded crude oil at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port and were expected to pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait into the Indian Ocean. However, following the Houthi warning, both ships turned back toward the Suez Canal instead of continuing their planned voyage. The diversion means the vessels will now travel via a significantly longer route, increasing transit time and transportation costs.

The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen, including the strategic Red Sea coastline, announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. In a message to international shipping companies, the group warned that any vessel involved in loading or unloading Saudi oil could become a target.

The latest development comes after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—the Gulf’s primary oil export route—was already disrupted due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. As a result, the Red Sea route had become the key alternative for Saudi crude exports. Millions of barrels of oil are transported daily through pipelines to Yanbu before being shipped via the Red Sea. The fresh security threat has now put this alternative route under pressure as well.

The disruption has also impacted global energy markets. Brent crude prices climbed more than 2% on Tuesday, remaining above $91 per barrel, while US gasoline prices once again crossed $4 per gallon, reflecting growing concerns over oil supply disruptions.

US President Donald Trump said the Houthis have not yet blocked the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, often referred to as the “Gate of Tears,” but warned that the United States would respond if the group attempted to shut down the vital maritime passage.

Trump also confirmed that 18 US military personnel have been killed in the ongoing conflict, including four soldiers who died in recent Iranian attacks on American military bases in Jordan and Iraq.

Meanwhile, the US military continued its operations against Iran for the 11th consecutive night, carrying out airstrikes in Tehran as well as the southeastern coastal cities of Chabahar and Konarak. Explosions were also reported near Bushehr, home to Iran’s only nuclear power plant.
The escalating conflict has raised fresh concerns over the security of global energy supply chains, with key maritime routes facing increasing risks and international markets closely monitoring developments.