Oil prices climbed sharply in early trading after Yemen’s Houthi rebels joined the Middle East conflict, raising fears for key energy routes as investors shift focus to the security of alternative oil‑export pathways.
Brent crude rose 2.6% to $115.45 a barrel, up nearly 60% on the month, while the U.S. benchmark WTI gained 1.3% to $100.98 a barrel, marking a rare return above the symbolic $100 level.
Market watchers say attention is now on how vulnerable alternative oil‑export routes are, especially after Saudi Arabia has bypassed the effectively closed Strait of Hormuz by using its east–west pipeline to send up to 6 million barrels per day of oil to international markets via the Red Sea.
ANZ analysts warn in a research note that this pipeline route “could be a potential target for the Houthis”, further heightening risk for global supply chains.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump is weighing a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran, adding another layer of geopolitical tension that could keep oil markets on edge in the coming days
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did oil prices jump on Monday?
Oil prices rose because Yemen’s Houthi rebels joined the Middle East war, raising fresh fears about supply disruptions and the security of key export routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
How much have Brent and WTI risen this month?
Brent crude is up nearly 60% on the month, trading around $115.45 a barrel, while WTI has gained about 1.3% on the day to $100.98 a barrel.
How is Saudi Arabia moving oil without using the Strait of Hormuz?
Saudi Arabia has bypassed the Strait of Hormuz by using its east–west pipeline to pump up to 6 million barrels per day of crude to the Red Sea, from where it reaches international markets via alternative shipping lanes.
Why is the east–west pipeline at risk?
Analysts warn that the east–west pipeline route could become a potential Houthi target because it is now a key alternative export channel, so any attack there could severely disrupt Saudi and global oil flows.
What is the reported U.S. military plan involving Iran and uranium?
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump is considering a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran, a move that could escalate tensions and further support higher oil prices due to increased geopolitical risk.
