According to Reuters, tankers carrying Russian oil have continued sailing through the Red Sea with lower risks compared to competitors amidst Houthi attacks.
Despite a slight decline in Russian ship traffic since December, it remains higher than the 2023 average, contrasting with disruptions faced by other oil tanker sailings, Reuters reports. Four tankers carrying Russian Urals crude passed through the Bab-el-Mandab strait with another three heading south through the Red Sea since Jan. 26, Kpler data show.
The Houthis’ targeting of ships connected to certain countries, particularly Israel, the United States, and Britain, has spared vessels carrying Russian oil, which typically have fewer links to Western entities.
Despite escalating costs and risks for shippers, the flow of Russian oil through the Red Sea is expected to continue, driven by demand from India and China, while Western tankers may opt for longer routes to avoid the Red Sea.
