The Strait of Hormuz is experiencing a rise in tanker traffic, with more vessels openly broadcasting their crossings. This comes as Iran and the US are engaged in negotiations for a lasting peace deal following a period of conflict that disrupted global oil supplies. Notably, three US-sanctioned supertankers, Elva, Virgo, and Vigor, carrying approximately 6 million barrels of Iranian crude, entered the chokepoint early Monday, signaling their destination as waters off Singapore, a known transshipment point for Iranian crude often destined for China.
While Iran has stated it re-closed the Strait of Hormuz this past weekend due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and the Islamic Republic continues to harass passing vessels, maritime tracking data shows a significant flow of oil through the waterway. Tankers hauling about 20 million barrels of crude passed through from Friday to Sunday, marking the highest transparent flow since before the war began in late February. The US Central Command also reported that 55 merchant ships, carrying over 17 million barrels of oil, transited the strait on Saturday.
Despite Iran's declarations, traffic is slowly but steadily picking up. Four Qatari LNG tankers and two supertankers, one signaling for the Iraqi port of Basra, crossed into the Gulf on Monday. Kpler's tracking confirmed 71 ships traveled through the strait between Friday and Sunday, with a peak of 35 crossings on Saturday. This contrasts with the 100-130 vessels daily before the war. The U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center noted successful transfers using both Omani territorial waters and the northern Iranian-controlled route.
Iran had lifted an effective blockade last week after an interim 60-day ceasefire with the US. However, questions remain regarding control and potential tolls. Before the war, passage was free, but Iran recently established a new authority to collect money from ships. President Donald Trump suggested the US might impose its own tolls if a final deal isn't reached. Iran agreed not to charge tolls for 60 days under the memorandum of understanding allowing it to manage the strait for now while discussions with Oman and six other Gulf states regarding future administration continue. Since last Monday, over 25 million barrels of Iranian oil have passed through what was an effective blockade line.
