Oil Tankers Avoid Hormuz After Iran Strikes

Oil tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with several vessels turning back or delaying entry into the critical waterway. According to Bloomberg, shipowners have adopted a cautious approach amid rising tensions and reports of a radio broadcast allegedly from the Iranian navy banning transit through the strait. The development marks the first clear sign of disruption to global commodity flows after the attacks, raising concerns about energy supply and market stability. Tracking data shows some tankers reversing course, while at least one shipowner opted not to send its vessel into the strait following the broadcast. Despite the reported warnings, some ships continue to transit the strait, with seven vessels exiting and six entering after advisories were issued. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas shipments daily, making it highly sensitive during geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Japan's Nippon Yusen KK and Greece advised their merchant fleets to reassess passage. The strikes have also resulted in civilian casualties, including at least 51 deaths from an Israeli airstrike on a school in Minab, Iran, highlighting escalating international scrutiny and complicating diplomatic de-escalation efforts.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/03/01/oil-tankers-avoid-hormuz-strait-after-us-israel-strikes-on-iran/