Hormuz Tanker Traffic Hits Two-Month Low as Attacks Surge

The number of tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to its lowest level in two months due to an increase in attacks on vessels in the waterway. This comes after reports that oil flows out of Hormuz have returned to pre-war levels. According to Kpler analysts, crude oil crossing the strait decreased by 27% from a wartime peak the previous week, reaching at least 10.1 million barrels per day.

This figure represents the September average, which is 74% of its pre-war level. The most significant decline in tanker movements was observed in vessels engaged in ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman.

The Strait of Hormuz has been a crucial route for crude oil exports, with Saudi Arabia ramping up its exports of crude as part of its efforts to recover overall oil flows out of the Persian Gulf. However, between September 28 and October 2, at least 12 attacks on tankers carrying crude oil, liquid petroleum gas, and liquefied natural gas were reported.

This surge in attacks marks the highest number since the war began at the end of February. The Joint Maritime Information Center, led by the U.S. Navy, stated that these actions demonstrate Iran's intent to assert its presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels.