You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World Peninsula Warns of Global Bunker Supply Squeeze as Red Sea Diversions Continue Peninsula Warns of Global Bunker Supply Squeeze as Red Sea Diversions Continue by Ship & Bunker News Team Monday July 27, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia earlier last week. File Image / Pixabay Global bunker supplier and trading firm Peninsula has warned that renewed Red Sea diversions could tighten bunker fuel supply as ships take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope . The longer voyages and stricter sulfur emissions rules are increasing bunker fuel demand and operating costs for shipowners, the firm said in an emailed statement on Friday . Yemen 's Houthi movement has resumed attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea after announcing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia last week . Some container lines had recently resumed Suez Canal transits after Houthi attacks eased earlier this year. However, the latest escalation could once again force ships to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal, instead taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. "The industry could be dealing with a sudden, significant increase in fuel consumption," Kenny MacLean , Chief Operations Officer at Peninsula, said. “ The industry could be dealing with a sudden, significant increase in fuel consumption COO Kenny MacLean "This is more complex than simply plotting a longer course – it will require a fundamental recalibration of voyage economics that will squeeze global bunker supply at a time when demand already outstrips supply." Peninsula estimates a typical Suezmax tanker taking the diverted route would re