Some oil companies to avoid ships on Iran blacklist, sources say

Indian oil refiners and a global energy giant are reportedly considering discontinuing the use of vessels on Iran's newly imposed blacklist, according to sources familiar with the matter. Teheran recently released a list of 45 ships that had violated its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, signaling it would take action against any vessels transferring loads with them.

This move comes six months into the US-Israeli war on Iran and is aimed at disrupting the Gulf oil producers' shuttle runs to move oil through the strait. If Iran enforces its threats, ships could face fines, detention, and confiscated cargoes. Some of the listed vessels are owned or chartered by Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC).

Trade risk analysts suggest that the most compliance-conscious buyers are expected to avoid these ships, but the trade may instead reroute through alternative tonnage, counterparties, or transfer locations. Major crude buyers are also weighing whether to continue STS operations or not, with some opting to buy oil on a delivered basis instead of free-on-board at STS locations.