Analysts say that if Houthi attacks escalate, Saudi Arabia may ultimately be forced to cut production along with other oil-producing countries.

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Joe Wallace, energy analysts warn that the oil market could face even greater turmoil if the Houthi rebels in Yemen resume attacks on Red Sea shipping. A renewed attack could cut significant amounts of oil from global supply and drive up prices. Saudi Arabia has been diverting as much crude oil as possible from the Persian Gulf to its Red Sea port of Yanbu, from where cargoes are primarily destined for Asia. While this hasn't completely offset the amount of oil unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, it has helped limit the rise in global oil prices. Analysts say that if Houthi attacks make it too dangerous for tankers to approach Yanbu, millions of barrels of crude oil could be stranded daily in the Middle East. In that case, Saudi Arabia might be forced to cut production along with Kuwait and Iraq. Earlier reports indicated a significant increase in the probability of Israel launching an attack on Yemen before March 31, 2026, on Polymarket.