Qatar warns of ‘catastrophic’ Bab al-Mandeb closure: What it means for oil, shipping and global trade | Today’s news
Qatar has warned that closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could have “catastrophic” consequences for global trade and energy markets as Iran-backed Houthi forces expand their presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The warning comes as tensions rise in the region, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz already severely disrupted.
Read also | Iran says the allies will close the Bab El-Mandeb Strait if the situation gets out of control
“The world is suffering enough from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, so we also cannot afford to add Bab al-Mandeb to this equation,” Qatari Foreign Ministry official Ibrahim Al Hashmi told reporters.
The warning has renewed attention on the Bab al-Mandeb, a narrow sea passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a key gateway for ships traveling between Asia and Europe.
Where is the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb?
Bab al-Mandeb, meaning “Gate of Tears”, lies between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast. It forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea and is the main sea gateway towards the Suez Canal for vessels arriving from the Indian Ocean.
The strait is about 29 km wide at its narrowest point. Yemen’s Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, divides the waterway into two shipping channels.
Further north are the Hanish Islands, located between the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah and Mocha. Dhubab is a coastal town close to the strait, making it an important point for anyone trying to control or disrupt ships passing through the area.
The Houthis already control Hodeidah, which they have used as a base for attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Their reported push for Mocha, Dhubab, Perim and Hanish Islands could bring them closer to one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
Why is Bab al-Mandeb important to oil and global trade?
Bab al-Mandeb is one of the world’s key maritime hubs as it connects the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean. Ships using this route can travel between Asia and Europe without making the much longer journey around southern Africa.
Read also | Highlights of the US-Iran War: Houthis seize Yemeni mocha and approach Báb el-Mandeb
The waterway is particularly important for the transport of energy. Oil volumes passing through the Bab al-Mandeb accounted for about 7% of global oil production in June, according to Kpler data cited in the supplied report.
The strait is also important for Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter. The Houthis have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, adding to concerns about the safety of shipping in and around the Red Sea.
Any longer disruption could therefore affect the movement of oil, petroleum products and other commodities between the Persian Gulf, Asia and Europe.
What would the closure of Bab al-Mandeb mean?
A total or permanent closure would force many vessels to avoid the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, with ships instead taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa.
This diversion can add weeks on the road and increase fuel, insurance and transportation costs. It could also put additional pressure on global supply chains by delaying deliveries.
Read also | ‘Oil could hit $200’: Amid US-Iran tensions, Yemen threatens Bab al-Mandeb
The consequences of the breach have already been seen. Since late 2023, Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have prompted major shipping and oil companies, including Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and BP, to divert vessels around Africa.
A new escalation around Bab al-Mandeb could revive these disruptions on a larger scale.
Closing Bab al-Mandeb would have ramifications far beyond Yemen’s borders. Ships carrying oil and other goods could face longer and more expensive journeys, which could raise costs for businesses and consumers. That’s why Qatar warned that closing the waterway could have “catastrophic” consequences.
