What caused Brent crude to top $110/barrel on Friday, and which two key oil transit routes are under threat?

Brent crude topped $110/barrel due to heightened concerns over prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East, driven by escalating US-Iran tensions and Houthi militant activity. The two key oil transit routes under threat are the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

How has the Houthi seizure of Yemen’s Mocha port affected Saudi Arabia’s crude exports and energy infrastructure?

The Houthi seizure of Mocha port strengthens their control over the southern entrance to the Red Sea, raising the prospect of further disruptions to cargoes transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a critical route for Saudi crude exported from its Yanbu terminal. This threatens 4–5 million barrels/day of Saudi crude exports from Yanbu, especially as Saudi Arabia had increasingly relied on Yanbu to divert exports away from the constrained Strait of Hormuz; meanwhile, Houthi attacks have also forced some Saudi energy infrastructure to suspend operations.

Brent crude tops $110/bbl before easing; Mideast supply concerns deepen

Sep 11, 2026

Brent crude surpassed $110/barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions threatening key transit routes, while Saudi exports dropped sharply. OPEC reduced its 2026 demand forecast despite Chinese refiners increasing purchases of alternative crude supplies.

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