Houthi Attacks Disrupt Saudi Oil Infrastructure Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

• •Houthi attacks have disrupted Saudi oil exports, impacting global supply.
• •The East-West pipeline has been targeted, highlighting vulnerabilities in oil transport routes.
• •Regional conflicts in the Horn of Africa are compounding security risks in the Red Sea.

In recent months, Houthi militants have targeted Saudi oil tankers and facilities, significantly impacting oil exports through the Red Sea. The attacks, which include drone strikes on the Saudi East-West pipeline, have highlighted vulnerabilities in alternative oil routes as tensions rise due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia's reliance on the Red Sea for oil exports has increased, with shipments nearly doubling from previous years. The disruption has resulted in a global oil output decline of 11-12 million barrels per day, raising prices by approximately $30 per barrel since March 2026. The situation is exacerbated by instability in the Horn of Africa, where conflicts are merging and threatening maritime security. The Houthis are not the only threat, as piracy is resurging in the Gulf of Aden, further complicating the security landscape. The current status indicates a need for alternative energy export routes to mitigate risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz.