Houthis’ Control of Strategic Straits Threatens Europe’s Energy Security
The Houthis have effectively taken control of the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait after seizing the cities of Mocha and Dhubab on the Red Sea coast, as well as Perim Island (Mayyun) and several islands of the Hanish archipelago. According to data for September 9, 28 cargo ships passed through Bab el‑Mandeb — compared to just 7 through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East–West oil pipeline has suspended oil pumping, causing a loss of 7 million barrels per day.
The situation is already affecting global energy prices: the October futures price at the TTF hub in the Netherlands has risen to $1 004 per thousand cubic metres, and oil prices have reached $100 per barrel. This drives up fuel costs and raises the risk of a heating gas shortage in Germany, where storage levels are at record lows.
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The Houthis have effectively taken control of the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait after seizing the cities of Mocha and Dhubab on the Red Sea coast, as well as Perim Island (Mayyun) and several islands of the Hanish archipelago. According to data for September 9, 28 cargo ships passed through Bab el‑Mandeb — compared to just 7 through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East–West oil pipeline has suspended oil pumping, causing a loss of 7 million barrels per day.
The situation is already affecting global energy prices: the October futures price at the TTF hub in the Netherlands has risen to $1 004 per thousand cubic metres, and oil prices have reached $100 per barrel. This drives up fuel costs and raises the risk of a heating gas shortage in Germany, where storage levels are at record lows.
Subscribe for Where it's hot|Geopolitics