InternationalFriday, 24 July 2026·The Hindu - International
Red Sea attacks and Bab el-Mandeb risk: why Saudi oil disruption can hit India
A July 23, 2026 report said Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers pushed oil above $100 a barrel and could affect India’s crude imports through Bab el-Mandeb.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 23, 2026, oil prices rose above $100 a barrel after the Houthis in Yemen said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint that affects India’s crude imports.
Key specifics
- The oil price crossed $100 a barrel on July 23, 2026.
- The Houthis said they hit two Saudi tankers, Encelia and Layla.
- Bab el-Mandeb is the chokepoint mentioned after the Strait of Hormuz.
- India imports just over 5 million barrels of crude per day.
- In June 2026, 53.5% of India’s crude imports came from Russia via the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb route.
Exam lens
International relations and energy security question, July 23, 2026, Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, 100 dollars per barrel, 5 million barrels per day; TNPSC may ask why this route matters for India’s import bill.