Oil Smuggling Rises Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Middle East Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of global attention due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have led to concerns about oil supplies and fuel prices. However, despite the risks, reports indicate that more oil is being smuggled through the Strait than previously thought.

According to Timothy Walker, a senior researcher on Maritime Security at the Institute for Security Studies, some ship operators are using a shuttle system to transport oil through the Strait. This involves smaller vessels taking on oil from sources in the Gulf and then transferring it to larger vessels once they exit the Strait.

The larger vessels are too valuable to risk being attacked or disrupted, Walker explains, so they remain at anchor while the smaller vessels make the journey through the Strait. The operators of these smaller vessels seem to be relying on US protection, but do fall foul of drone and missile attacks by Iran.

Despite the risks, the substantial profits to be had if the vessels get through are seen as offsetting the danger. However, Walker notes that the smaller ships utilising this route are increasingly being attacked.