02/04 • THE RED SEA CRISIS

As global attention focusses on the Strait of Hormuz, a second shipping pressure point exists in the Red Sea.

Yemen-based Houthi forces, aligned with Iran, have continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, framing their actions as a response to both Israel's actions in Gaza and the United States and Israel's war with Iran.

Tanker traffic has dropped sharply, contributing to what analysts describe as one of the largest energy shocks in decades. These attacks have prompted many shipping companies to avoid the route, rerouting vessels around Africa and adding significant time and cost to global trade.

While the disruption in the Red Sea is smaller in scale than Hormuz, its impact is compounding an already fragile situation. Together, these two chokepoints form a critical corridor for global energy and goods. Analysts warn that disruption across both routes is creating a “dual chokepoint” crisis — amplifying delays, raising costs, and straining supply chains.

The humanitarian implications are growing. Rising fuel costs affect food production and transport. Delays in shipping slow the delivery of aid. Import-dependent regions — particularly in parts of Africa and the Middle East — are especially exposed to shortages and price increases.

What happens in these narrow stretches of water is now shaping access to food, fuel and essential goods far beyond the region.

PRAYER POINTS:

• We pray for those most affected by rising costs and shortages, that essential goods and aid would reach communities in need.
  
  
• We pray for safety along key shipping routes, for those working at sea and for stability across these critical corridors.
  
  
• We pray for restraint and wisdom in a widening conflict, that escalation would be avoided and pathways toward de-escalation pursued.

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