Three Saudi oil tankers carrying crude bound for India and China have altered their routes in the Red Sea following warnings issued by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security. According to Reuters, the vessels Xin Long Yang, Rodos and Amazon changed course while heading towards the Suez Canal after the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The developments come amid an already strained global energy market following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis earlier this week announced a blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and warned international shipping companies against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports. In a message sent to shipping firms, the group stated that vessels involved in such operations could be targeted "in any location." The declaration has heightened fears of a further escalation in regional tensions, with the Red Sea emerging as another critical flashpoint alongside the Gulf region.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located at the southern entrance of the Red Sea, is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Since the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia's Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu has become a vital alternative route for crude oil exports. Any disruption along this corridor could significantly affect oil shipments to major Asian importers, including India and China.

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Shipping data cited by Reuters showed that the China-bound very large crude carrier Xin Long Yang, carrying around two million barrels of Saudi crude, reversed course after departing Yanbu. The tanker Rodos, carrying approximately 700,000 barrels of crude for India, also changed direction towards the Suez Canal, while the Suezmax tanker Amazon, another India-bound vessel loaded at Yanbu, similarly altered its route. Reports also indicated that several of the affected vessels switched off their tracking transponders after changing course.

The security situation has already begun affecting maritime operations and insurance costs. British maritime security company Ambrey advised ships calling at Saudi Arabian ports to reconsider Red Sea transits and adopt enhanced security measures, while war-risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region have reportedly increased. Another tanker, New Prime, which was expected to load crude at Yanbu later this week, also turned back before entering the Red Sea, reflecting growing caution among shipping operators.

Despite the heightened threat, Yanbu port continues to load crude onto vessels already present in the Red Sea or arriving through the Suez Canal. Industry analysts believe that if Houthi attacks begin disrupting traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, oil exporters may redirect more Saudi crude towards Europe while Asian-bound shipments could face longer transit times via alternative routes. Although some experts consider a full naval blockade difficult to enforce, the latest developments underscore the growing risks facing one of the world's busiest energy shipping corridors.

Also Read: Oil Tankers Resume Limited Transits Through Hormuz After Iran Attacks