Hormuz Oil Shipments Surge to Six-Month High Amid US Protection Efforts

Oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level in six months, according to US Central Command's Admiral Brad Cooper. In a video message on September 19, 2026, he said that momentum is building due to increased efforts from the US in protecting naval routes and clearing mines.

The strait's primary transit lanes are clear of mines, and allies in the Persian Gulf have shipped over 1 billion barrels of crude through it in the last couple of months. This marks a significant increase in oil shipments, which is being seen as a positive development for global energy markets.

Admiral Cooper attributed the success to US naval protection and mine clearance efforts, saying that they are 'paying off'. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for international trade, particularly for oil and gas exports from the Middle East.