Saudi Arabia's Oil Export Routes All Blocked
Listen to the story
All three of Saudi Arabia's crude oil export routes have reportedly been blocked, according to a report. This is a serious problem for the country's oil business.
One of the routes depends on a pipeline, a long pipe used to move oil over land. This pipeline has stopped operating, and Saudi Arabia's export stock is now running out.
Experts warn that the world could lose as much as 4% of its total oil supply because of this situation. That is a significant amount for global markets.
The problem is linked to the Houthis, an armed group based in Yemen, who have taken control of parts of the Red Sea coastline. Many oil tankers normally pass through this area.
With shipments unable to move safely, the United States and Saudi Arabia have reportedly begun blaming each other for the situation. Some commentators have described it as a huge failure by both governments.
So far, it is not clear how long the routes will remain blocked or how the crisis will be resolved.
Vocabulary10 words
- crude oil
- oil before it is cleaned for use
- pipeline
- a long pipe used to move oil or gas
- Houthis
- an armed group from Yemen
- Red Sea
- a sea between Africa and the Middle East
- supply
- the total amount available for use
- export
- goods sent to be sold in other countries
- blocked
- closed so nothing can pass through
- tanker
- a large ship that carries oil
- resolved
- fixed or solved
- commentator
- a person who gives opinions about events
Quiz
Answer key
1. They have been blocked 2. 4% 3. Both the US and Saudi Arabia are blaming each other
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
All three of Saudi Arabia's crude oil export _____ have reportedly been blocked.
One of the routes depends on a _____, a long pipe used to move oil.
This pipeline has stopped operating, and Saudi Arabia's export _____ is now running out.
Experts warn that the world could lose as much as 4% of its total oil _____.
The problem is linked to the _____, an armed group based in Yemen.
They have taken control of parts of the _____ coastline.
Many oil _____ normally pass through this area.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have reportedly begun _____ each other.
Some _____ have described it as a huge failure by both governments.
It is not clear how the crisis will be _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think blocked oil routes can affect countries around the world?
- What problems might happen if oil supply drops by 4%?
- Why do you think the US and Saudi Arabia are blaming each other?
- How important is the Red Sea for global shipping, in your opinion?