The Bab el-Mandeb strait is emerging as a new zone of potential conflict that could significantly worsen fuel prices globally. This maritime corridor, located between Yemen and Djibouti, is one of the most important routes for oil transportation worldwide.
The Houthis of Yemen, a group controlling much of Yemeni territory, have demonstrated alignment with Iran and have already managed to seize control of Perim island, which lies on this strategic strait. This control represents a direct threat to navigation in that region.
The importance of the strait was highlighted when Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, another crucial passage for oil exports in the Gulf region. Since then, Saudi Arabia has been using Bab el-Mandeb as an alternative route to export its oil.
Should the Bab el-Mandeb strait become a new stage of conflict, the consequences for the global energy market could be severe, with the potential for a new increase in fuel prices internationally.
