On Thursday, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz saw a substantial drop as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran disrupted operations in one of the world’s key energy corridors. With only three commodity vessels making the passage, it marked the lowest number of daily crossings since May. This decline comes amid heightened security concerns following recent attacks on commercial vessels and escalating military tensions in the area.
The slowdown has sparked worries about global energy supplies, given the strait’s critical role in handling a sizable portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. As a result, global oil prices have been on the rise. Several ships that managed to navigate the strait subsequently paused in the Gulf of Oman, while a fuel tanker that initially exited the waterway decided to turn back to the Persian Gulf.
On Wednesday, shipping activity was already at a low, with only 11 vessels crossing the strait, significantly below the usual daily average of roughly 125 ships. Notably absent for two consecutive days were large crude oil tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers. This continued reduction in traffic highlights the ongoing impact of the regional unrest on commercial shipping.
Despite the challenges, two very large crude carriers, each transporting about two million barrels of oil, eventually reappeared outside the strait, continuing their journeys toward destinations in Asia and Europe. This indicates some level of resilience in the face of the disruptions.
In related developments, Iraq temporarily halted oil loading operations at its Basra export terminal after a drone strike targeted an oil tanker, though activities resumed shortly afterward. Iran has issued warnings that oil and gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz could face ongoing disruptions if military actions persist, raising further concerns about instability in global energy markets.