LNG Shipments Through Hormuz Spike Despite Security Worries

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest monthly level since the US-Iran conflict began in February, according to data from analytics firms.

A total of 19 LNG cargoes were shipped through the key waterway in September, up from 15 in June, Eric Yep, a senior principal analyst at S&P Global Energy, said.

The increase is attributed to more QatarEnergy-linked vessels, laden and in ballast, transiting the strait despite persistent security concerns and uncertainty.

Yep expressed concern that LNG transits through Hormuz may not be sustainable through winter, citing the risk of Iran resorting to military escalation if higher exports are perceived as a loss of leverage in its control of the strait.