Houthi Blockade Cuts Saudi Crude Loadings in Half, Threatening Both Key Shipping Routes

Houthi forces shut the Bab al-Mandeb strait and blockaded Saudi ports in July 2026. Saudi crude loadings fell roughly in half, per Kpler data; at least four tankers reversed course before reaching the strait. The strikes hit a corridor Riyadh built since March to bypass the Strait of Hormuz — meaning both major export routes are now under threat.