Report points to a sharp drop in Saudi tanker traffic in the Red Sea

Tejarat News reported on Tuesday 28 July 2026 (6 Mordad 1405) that a trade publication has recorded a sharp fall in Saudi tanker movements in the Red Sea following the announcement of a naval blockade of Yemen.

According to the report, disruption to Saudi Arabia's export route is pushing marine freight costs sharply higher. Saudi Arabia ships part of its crude exports through its east to west pipeline and Red Sea ports rather than through the Strait of Hormuz, so disruption on that route narrows the kingdom's alternative export options. Brent crude was trading around $87.33 a barrel on the morning of Tuesday 28 July 2026.