Saudi Arabia exported record volumes of crude oil from terminals on the Red Sea in the days and weeks before the Houthis said they would block the nation's shipments, according to Bloomberg Markets.

The surge in shipments came as the Iran-backed Yemeni group escalated threats against Saudi energy infrastructure, raising concerns about the security of a critical global supply route. Data shows loadings from Red Sea ports reached unprecedented levels, suggesting buyers accelerated purchases ahead of potential disruptions.

Analysts note the timing indicates market participants were pricing in geopolitical risk, with the Red Sea accounting for a significant share of Saudi seaborne exports. The Houthi warning follows months of attacks on commercial vessels in the region, which have already forced major shipping lines to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope.

Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the record flows or the specific threat. However, the kingdom maintains spare production capacity and alternative export routes through the Persian Gulf, providing some cushion against prolonged Red Sea interruptions.