Governments across Asia are scrambling to avoid a second major energy crisis in six months after Yemen's Houthis blockaded Saudi Arabian shipping through the Bab al-Mandab strait, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Yemen's Houthis have launched a blockade of Saudi Arabian shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait.
- The Bab al-Mandab strait forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea.
- Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and South Korea rely on Middle East oil for up to 90% of their imports.
- The blockade follows the earlier closure of the strait of Hormuz, leaving only the Suez canal fully open for gulf oil movement.
- It marks the potential second major energy crisis for Asia in six months.
Governments across Asia are scrambling to head off a second major energy crisis in six months, as another maritime chokepoint in the Middle East faces a violent blockade, according to the Guardian. The development leaves only the Suez canal completely open for the free movement of gulf oil.
The latest disruption stems from a blockade launched by Yemen’s Houthis targeting Saudi Arabian shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait, which forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The move threatens Saudi oil exports at a time when the region is already under strain.
Countries including Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and South Korea are particularly exposed. The Guardian reports these nations rely on Middle East oil for up to 90% of their imports, making them highly vulnerable to any interruption in the flow of crude.
The new blockade comes as those same countries are still reeling from the closure of the strait of Hormuz, another critical waterway for oil shipments. With two of the region’s key routes now compromised, the pressure on remaining supply lines has intensified.
As a result, governments in Asia are working urgently to secure alternative supplies, with the situation described as ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel.’ The convergence of two blockades within a short span has left importers with limited options and heightened concern over energy security.
Why it matters
Asia's heavy dependence on Middle East oil means disruptions to key shipping routes can quickly translate into higher energy costs and supply shortages. With two major chokepoints now compromised, the crisis threatens economic stability across some of the world's largest economies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bab al-Mandab strait?
According to the Guardian, the Bab al-Mandab strait forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea and is a key route for gulf oil shipping. Yemen's Houthis have launched a blockade of Saudi Arabian shipping passing through it.
Which countries are most affected?
The Guardian reports that Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and South Korea are among the most exposed, as they rely on Middle East oil for up to 90% of their imports.
Why is this the second crisis in six months?
The new blockade follows the earlier closure of the strait of Hormuz, another vital oil shipping route, leaving only the Suez canal completely open for the free movement of gulf oil.