Oil tanker traffic jumps in Hormuz after U.S. and Iran open sea lane

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Since the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by the U.S. and Iran, at least 20 oil tankers have crossed the sea lane, as reported by trade intelligence firm Kpler.

On Thursday, tanker transits reached the highest level since June 2, although still below prewar levels when over 100 ships transited Hormuz daily.

25 ships, including cargo, container, and tanker classes, crossed Hormuz on Thursday, following the end of the U.S. Navy blockade of Iran and Tehran’s decision to allow toll-free crossings for 60 days.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Iran is honoring its commitment so far.

Kpler’s commodity research director, Matt Smith, noted balanced traffic with 13 crossings moving West to East and 12 moving East to West.

Supertankers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, capable of carrying up to 2 million barrels of oil, crossed Hormuz on Thursday, along with Iranian supertankers observed departing the region.

With the return of Iranian crude trade to normal patterns, discussions on governing Hormuz post-60-day toll-free period will involve Iran, Oman, and Gulf states, potentially leading to future toll imposition.

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