Weekly traffic for Saudi Arabia's outbound trade has declined through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait since August. Volume has remained below 33% of this year's seven day average following military advances by Houthi forces on the Red Sea coast, which hit Saudi export routes particularly hard.

A total shutdown of the strait would disrupt up to 7 million barrels of daily oil flows. Houthi forces continue to exert control over the Red Sea coastline, reinforcing their positions at the strategic maritime chokepoint to constrain international shipping.