Saudi Arabia-Yemen fighting raises risk to oil export route

Hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia are raising the threat to an oil-export route that the kingdom has been using to work around the Strait of Hormuz. The route provides an alternative path for Saudi oil exports that avoids the narrow waterway where tensions have previously disrupted shipping.

Background on the route Saudi Arabia developed the pipeline system after past incidents near the Strait of Hormuz prompted concerns over supply security. The pipeline carries crude from eastern fields to a terminal on the Red Sea coast.

Current developments Recent clashes have increased the risk that the pipeline or its associated facilities could be targeted. Officials have not released updated figures on daily volumes moved through the route.