Gulf crisis could be a blessing in disguise for East African ports

Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have raised fuel costs and uncertainty over import delivery times, contributing to a higher cost of living and weaker East African currencies. Since February, a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted a route through which the region imported most of its fuel. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian installations and warnings to vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have added to shipping uncertainty. Despite these disruptions, the headline suggests the crisis could also benefit East African ports.