Asian refiners look to Suez Canal to move Saudi oil amid Houthi shipping threats

Asian refiners are rerouting Saudi crude shipments after Houthi threats to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and disrupt traffic in the Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb corridor. The article suggests this is adding logistical friction and costs to oil trade flows, with some tankers reversing course and shippers considering longer routes via the Suez Canal, SUMED pipeline, and even around Africa. The longer diversion can add up to four weeks and increase freight and fuel expenses, which could support crude prices through tighter effective supply and higher transport costs. Market focus is on supply-chain risk for Middle East crude exports to Asia, especially if the Red Sea route remains threatened or fully blocked.