Saudi Oil Tankers Carrying Crude to China, India Turn Around After Houthi Warning

21/07/2026

Saudi Oil Tankers Carrying Crude to China, India Turn Around After Houthi Warning

SANAA, Jul 21: Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to China and India turned back in the Red Sea on Tuesday following a warning from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, according to Reuters, citing LSEG shipping data.

The vessels, which were heading toward the Suez Canal, changed course after the Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on Monday, raising concerns over a potential expansion of regional hostilities and risks to global energy shipments.

The move comes as tensions escalate across the region, with the Houthi threat adding a new security challenge for commercial vessels operating along key maritime trade routes.

The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait are among the world’s most important shipping corridors, connecting Middle Eastern energy exporters with global markets. The latest development has raised concerns over possible disruptions to oil supplies and international trade beyond the Persian Gulf.