The Breakfast Table · ages 9–11 · 2026-10-20
Houthi Attacks Push Oil Above $109 a Barrel
Saudi Arabia has put off a big investor conference until 2027.
The Houthis, a group from Yemen, are still attacking Saudi Arabia, the country just north of Yemen. On October 10 a strike hit the main airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia says at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 were wounded.
The fighting is now reaching the oil market. Saudi Arabia is a giant oil producer. After the Houthis claimed new attacks on Saudi airports and sites of the oil company Aramco, Brent crude rose above $109 a barrel. Brent is the price traders use to compare oil. UK maritime monitors also said two tankers were attacked off the Saudi coast on Friday.
Daily life and business are changing too. The Kingdom Centre, a famous office tower in Riyadh, ordered its office staff to work from home. On Monday Saudi Arabia postponed a large investor conference, due on October 26 to 29, until 2027.
Why it matters
Saudi oil is sold all over the world. When it is at risk, the price of fuel can rise in places far from the fighting.
THE RED SEA. Saudi Arabia and Yemen sit on the eastern shore of the Red Sea.