Yanbu’s oil lifeline at risk as Houthis threaten Red Sea routes
Saudi Arabia redirected millions of barrels to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea to offset potential Hormuz disruption, but Iran-backed Houthis entering the war threaten to close Bab el-Mandeb. Losing Yanbu’s flow or a blocked strait could push Brent higher—potentially to $150+ per barrel—while Asia would bear the brunt, with ships rerouted via longer paths and costs rising for insurers, freight, and energy.