Middle East Oil Routes Under Threat Amid Rising Tensions

Sep 12, 2026

82 min

Sep 12, 2026 02:30

Hormuz choked, Red Sea threatened: How will oil get through?

## Strategic Oil Routes Face Disruptions

The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, two critical oil shipping routes, are facing significant challenges due to ongoing regional conflicts. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for Gulf oil exports, has seen a drastic reduction in traffic, with only 19 ships passing daily in September compared to the pre-war average of 130. This decline is attributed to heightened tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran.

## Houthi Advances in Yemen

The situation is further complicated by the advance of Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Their capture of strategic locations such as the port city of Mocha and Perim Island has increased the threat to the Bab Al Mandab Strait, a crucial link between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This development poses a significant risk to shipping routes that have become more critical since the onset of the Iran conflict.

## Alternative Routes and Challenges

Saudi Arabia has been utilizing its East-West Pipeline to transport oil to the Red Sea, bypassing Hormuz. However, this pipeline has faced multiple attacks, leading to its temporary shutdown. Additionally, the option of routing oil through the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean is more costly and time-consuming, especially for shipments destined for Asia.

## Impact on Global Energy Markets

These disruptions have already impacted global energy prices, with oil prices briefly surpassing $108 a barrel. The increased risks and costs associated with these routes are causing concern in energy markets, as they rely heavily on these passages for oil transportation. The situation underscores the growing complexity and danger of maintaining stable oil supplies from the Middle East.

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