Oil Flows through Hormuz Prolong Middle East Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint in global oil supplies, with Iran's ability to disrupt shipping traffic still intact despite US efforts to mitigate its impact.
Since July 7, only two to three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) have passed through the strait each day on average, according to Kpler data. This is down from around eight VLCCs before the war.
Despite these restrictions, oil continues to flow out of the Gulf, with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright estimating that 15 million barrels a day are leaving the region through Hormuz and pipelines. However, this figure is lower than the pre-war average of 20 million barrels per day.
The reduced traffic through Hormuz has created an unusual stalemate, where Iran can disrupt shipping but cannot completely stop oil from reaching global markets. The US can keep some oil moving, but it cannot restore normal shipping traffic.