Archive · 14 Sep 2026
West Asia Crisis Sends India-Bound Tanker Rates Soaring
Ships carrying goods and energy to India are becoming much more expensive to operate.
This is happening because fighting has made important sea routes less safe.
Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Mocha port near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
They also moved toward Perim Island, which is near the shipping route.
At the same time, ships are facing serious disruption near the Strait of Hormuz.
Fuel for ships has become more expensive, reaching $900 per tonne.
Insurance costs have also gone up.
These changes could increase the cost of imports, including energy.
Rates for tankers traveling to India have reportedly risen 150% from about $100,000, with the headline describing them as doubled.
Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Mocha port and advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis reportedly reached Perim, also called Mayun, Island, increasing risks for ships using the Red Sea chokepoint.
Bunker fuel prices rose 50% to $900 per tonne, while insurance costs increased 20%.
Disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is adding to concerns about shipping and energy supplies in the region.
- Who
- India-bound tanker operators, with shipping risks linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces.
- What
- Tanker rates, bunker fuel prices and insurance costs have increased as key regional shipping routes face disruption.
- When
- The Houthi seizure of Mocha was reported to have occurred last week; the articles do not provide a specific date for the rate increases.
- Where
- Yemen’s Mocha port, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Perim (Mayun) Island, the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- Houthi advances and disruption around major maritime chokepoints have increased perceived risks and operating costs for shipping.
- Tanker-rate increase
- Reportedly 150% from about $100,000; the headline describes rates as doubled.
- Bunker fuel price
- $900 per tonne, up 50%.
- Insurance costs
- Up 20%.
- Port seized
- Yemen’s Mocha port city.
- Strategic route
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major Red Sea shipping chokepoint.
- Additional disruption
- Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
- Import impact
- Higher shipping-related costs are adding to the cost of imports, including energy.