There has been an uproar over the Strait of Hormuz, now Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are also considering charging transit fees from ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important sea routes. According to Reuters report, this proposal has come at a time when the Houthis have recently announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. With this, the level of tension has increased in West Asia.
According to reports, the Houthis had discussed this proposal with Iranian officials when their delegation reached the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. According to sources, Iran has also advised the Houthis to create a regulatory body that could monitor and manage the transit fees charged on ships passing through Bab al-Mandeb. However, no deadline has been set yet for implementing this transit fee.
Chinese ships may get exemption
The report claims that under the proposed scheme, Chinese ships may be exempted from transit fees. Sources say that in recent months, direct talks have taken place between China and the Houthi group to ensure the safety of Chinese commercial and energy ships passing through the southern Red Sea. Let us tell you that China is the largest importer of Saudi Arabia’s crude oil and this sea route of the Red Sea is very important strategically for it.
Yemen government expressed concern
Afrah al-Jouba, foreign minister-designate of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, told Reuters that the Houthis are trying to consolidate their control over the Red Sea. If they do this, they will also try to collect transit fees from the ships.
Why is Bab el-Mandeb so important?
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa region. It connects the southern Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It is counted among the most important maritime ‘choke points’ of the world. Under normal circumstances, about 12 to 15 percent of the world’s maritime trade passes through this route. About 30 percent of the world’s container shipping depends on this route. More than 20,000 cargo ships use this waterway every year. Every day approximately 50 to 60 large cargo ships pass through here.
Supply of oil and gasoline will be affected
Through this route, about 40 lakh to 80 lakh barrels of crude oil and large quantities of LNG reach different parts of the world every day. If transit fees are implemented across the strait or security risks increase, shipping costs could increase, which could impact oil prices, supply chains and international trade. Also, the already ongoing tension in the Red Sea region may deepen further. The conflict between the Houthis and their allies may increase.
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