Hormuz Traffic Slows as Iran Threatens Retaliation, Supply Risks Rise

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed at the start of the week after Iran threatened to retaliate against any new attacks from the United States. The development has renewed market concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies through one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

According to Kpler data released on Tuesday, only seven commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, down from eight vessels the previous day. Iran had warned that energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including U.S. oil and gas interests, could become vulnerable if tensions escalate further.

Concerns over prolonged supply disruptions have also prompted Goldman Sachs to raise its Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude oil price forecasts for December 2026 and 2027. The bank expects shipping disruptions in the Middle East to persist into next year, keeping geopolitical risk premiums elevated.

In contrast, shipping activity increased through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another key waterway for commodity flows. Kpler data showed that 29 commodity vessels passed through Bab el-Mandeb on Monday, up from 17 vessels the previous day.

However, the reported vessel counts may not fully reflect actual traffic conditions. Some ships may be sailing through both straits with their transponders switched off, meaning their movements are not included in the official figures.(mrv)

Source : Newsmaker.id