Conflict Timeline

Asian refiners have sought alternative routes for crude shipments from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port on the Red Sea, including via the Suez Canal and around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, after Houthi forces in Yemen stated they would impose a naval blockade.

Ship-tracking data showed at least one vessel reversing course westward and reduced transits through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. Analysts have noted that these routes could add up to four weeks of transit time and raise freight costs compared with standard paths.