A Middle East sea route used as an alternative for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which was largely closed by the Iran war, may itself be choked off by Iranian allies, a move that could further reduce oil availability and drive up fuel prices.
Average gas prices exceeded $4 a gallon in the United States, USA TODAY reported March 31.
After a an attack March 28 by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against Israel, the global energy focus has shifted to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a southern Red Sea chokepoint in a key oil shipping route.
Houthi rebels in Yemen said they launched ballistic missile attacks on “sensitive” military sites in southern Israel. It’s the first time the Houthis have attacked Israel since the Iran war began Feb. 28.
That has raised fears the Houthis could expand their attacks to oil-carrying ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
