Hormuz tanker traffic falls amid Iran tensions
- Fewer than 20 tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend as shipping activity remained below normal levels.
- UK Maritime Trade Operations data showed vessel traffic was about 90% below pre-conflict levels, according to Reuters.
- Iran and the United States exchanged threats over economic pressure and potential restrictions on Persian Gulf oil exports.
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained weak over the weekend, with fewer than 20 vessels crossing the key oil route as Iran and the United States exchanged threats.
Kpler data cited by Reuters showed that 13 tankers passed through the strait on Saturday and four crossed on Sunday, compared with 16 on Friday and one very large crude carrier exiting on Thursday.
UK Maritime Trade Operations data showed that 103 vessels entered the Strait of Hormuz and 89 exited during the week ending August 21, with tankers accounting for 45% of total traffic.
The United States and Iran continued exchanging warnings, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that Washington was preparing additional economic pressure measures against Tehran, while Iran warned it could halt oil exports from the Persian Gulf.
Oil prices started the week lower as markets assessed the potential impact of further U.S. economic measures against Iran, although no specific details of the planned campaign were announced.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with global markets and carrying a significant share of international oil shipments.
