Gulf shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to six vessels on Monday, marking a sharp decline from the 10-day average of about 11 vessels, according to shipping data. The drop comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with no signs of progress in peace talks. Four commodity vessels, including two empty oil product tankers, entered the waterway, while two vessels—carrying liquefied petroleum gas and residual fuels—exited, according to data from Kpler (arabnews.pk).
The situation has fueled concerns over energy security, with oil prices rising further as hopes for a Hormuz deal fade. Industry groups have warned of inflation risks and increased pressure on US interest rates, highlighting the strategic importance of the waterway (channelstv.com). Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that US forces had cleared mines, while Iran demanded concessions before reopening the vital waterway (samaa.tv).
India has also raised concerns over its reliance on the US for two-thirds of its LPG supply, emphasizing the need for diversification amid the Hormuz crisis. The country’s energy security, the report notes, cannot be tied to a single geography (thehindu.com). As negotiations continue, the future of the Strait remains uncertain, with both sides locked in a standoff over control and access.
