World
Strait of Hormuz traffic remained disrupted through September
Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline stayed shut and Bab el-Mandeb remained open.
By the end of September 2026, the Middle East's principal maritime chokepoints and Oil assets continued to operate below capacity. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had not returned to normal, while the Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline remained offline. At the same time, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait stayed open for commercial vessels.
The Hormuz corridor saw persistent congestion and reduced flow, reflecting the ongoing Iranian blockade. The United States did not issue any statement ending the blockade, leaving shipping firms to navigate heightened risks. Vessels reported longer transit times and higher freight rates as a result.
In contrast, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was not effectively closed and continued to handle the bulk of Red Sea traffic. No major incidents were reported there during September, allowing cargoes to move between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal. The Strait's operational status provided a limited relief point for regional logistics.
The Saudi East-West Pipeline, a critical conduit for inland Oil transport, stayed non-operational, further tightening supply routes. The combination of these factors sustained pressure on regional Oil distribution.
The United States refrained from conducting airstrikes in Yemen throughout September, avoiding direct escalation in that theater. Nonetheless, the broader security environment stayed volatile, with maritime and energy channels under strain. Shipping companies and Oil producers continued to adapt to the prolonged disruptions.
Analysis
Because the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained open, it continues to serve as an alternative passage for goods traveling between Asia and Europe. However, the Strait's capacity is limited compared with Hormuz, so it cannot fully compensate for the reduced flow through the Persian Gulf.
The persistence of the Iranian blockade and the shutdown of Saudi's East-West Pipeline keep regional Oil producers dependent on a narrower set of export routes. This situation may encourage investment in alternative infrastructure, such as expanded storage or new Pipeline projects, but such developments require time and capital.
The absence of US airstrikes in Yemen suggests a cautious approach by Washington, possibly to avoid widening the conflict. Yet the lack of direct military intervention does not eliminate the underlying strategic tensions, leaving the region's shipping and energy sectors vulnerable to future disruptions.
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