- Bab el Mandeb Strait risk rises amid Houthi control plans
- Bab el Mandeb Strait vital route for global oil and trade
Hyderabad, March 16: The Bab el Mandeb Strait is facing a possible threat of closure amid rising tensions in West Asia. Reports indicate that Yemen’s Houthi movement is planning to take control of the strategic maritime route. Experts warn that any disruption at this chokepoint could affect global trade and energy supplies.
The development comes at a time when the war in West Asia continues to intensify. The United States and Israel are continuing attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, Iran is launching attacks on US bases located in Gulf countries. As tensions escalate, analysts say the situation around major maritime routes is becoming increasingly fragile.
Another key development is the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict. Due to this disruption, the supply of fuel through that route has already stopped, leading to shortages of oil and gas in several countries. Therefore, the possibility of another strategic waterway facing disruption has raised serious concerns across the global energy market.
Meanwhile, the Houthis have reportedly stepped forward with plans to take control of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Observers believe the group aims to target the United States and Israel through this move. Their warning that “our fingers are ready on the trigger” has triggered fresh alarm among security analysts. Experts also say the move could align with broader regional ambitions linked to Iran.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait is one of the most important maritime routes in the world. It connects the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. Because of its location, it serves as a major passage for global trade. Around 18 percent of world trade moves through this route every year.
In addition, approximately 8.8 million barrels of oil and natural gas, including LNG, pass through this strait every day. Ships traveling between Europe and Asia must pass through the Bab el Mandeb Strait to reach the Suez Canal. Therefore, any disruption at this point can immediately affect shipping routes.
If the strait is closed, ships will have to take a longer route around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope. This alternative path will add 15 to 20 days to shipping time. As a result, fuel costs and insurance premiums will increase significantly. Experts warn that such a situation could push oil prices higher worldwide.
The earlier disruption at the Strait of Hormuz has already caused pressure on energy supplies. Therefore, analysts fear that if the Bab el Mandeb Strait also closes, the global energy supply chain could face severe disruption. Oil and gas shortages may become worse across several regions.
Meanwhile, experts warn that the outcome of ongoing peace talks between Iran and the United States will be critical. If those talks fail, analysts say the escalating tensions could trigger wider economic instability and even lead to a global recession.
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