This week, at least nine tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz as the United States and Iran vie for control over this crucial maritime route.
According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group, a large tanker named "RHN" entered the strait from the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday. This vessel is a very large crude carrier (VLCC) capable of transporting approximately 2 million barrels of oil. It sails under the flag of Curaçao, a Caribbean island nation, but is owned by a Chinese company.
Another VLCC named "Alicia" crossed the strait into the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. Data indicates it was one of at least four tankers of various sizes that transited the strait yesterday.
Tanker traffic on Tuesday dropped by 90% compared to February 27, the day before a US-Israeli attack on Iran. Traffic declined sharply during the war due to threats of Iranian attacks.
Even after a ceasefire agreement was reached between the US and Iran on April 7, transit volumes have remained at very low levels.
The United States and Iran are competing for control of the strait. Following the failure of talks to end the war last weekend, the US Navy has imposed a blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran has repeatedly asserted its control over this sea passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital trade route linking major Middle Eastern oil producers with global markets. Before the war, approximately 20% of the world's crude oil supply passed through this narrow waterway. The disruption of tanker traffic through the strait has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history.
On Tuesday, the International Energy Agency stated, "Restoring the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical variable for alleviating pressure on energy supply, prices, and the global economy."
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