Strait of Hormuz traffic this week was 20% of pre-war average, though US says “oil is flowing”

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has risen sharply in recent days, with a 27 percent increase in the number of vessels passing through the critical maritime chokepoint compared to the previous week, according to data analyzed by CNN from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO). However, despite this uptick, the volume of ships remains just 20 percent of the seven-day average recorded before the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran. This indicates that while movement has increased, the strait continues to suffer from severe disruptions linked to the ongoing regional tensions. According to the latest figures, 103 vessels entered the strait and 89 exited during the past week. Most of these ships were registered under the flags of Panama and Liberia, with no U.S.-flagged vessels detected. Product tankers, ships designed to carry refined petroleum products, were the most frequently observed type of vessel navigating the area. These findings underscore the continued reliance on the strait for global energy transport, even amid heightened security concerns and geopolitical instability. The shift in control over key shipping routes appears to favor the U.S. Navy, which has reportedly facilitated the movement of more than 15 million barrels of oil and related products out of the strait in recent days. Additional volumes, estimated at around five million barrels, have been transported via pipelines, according to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who shared this information on social media earlier this week. This effort suggests a coordinated push to maintain the flow of hydrocarbons despite the ongoing conflict. The movement of such large quantities of oil has taken place primarily through the Omani route, a shipping lane authorized by the United Nations, which Iran has strongly opposed. Over the past two weeks, more than 80 percent of liquid cargo moving through the strait has used this alternative passage, bypassing areas traditionally controlled by Iranian forces. This development highlights the diminishing influence of Iran in managing maritime traffic through the region and signals growing U.S. involvement in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil. Iran’s opposition to the Omani route reflects broader strategic concerns about losing control over one of the world's most vital oil transit points. The strait, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles nearly 20 percent of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Any disruption here can send shockwaves through global markets, making it a focal point for both regional powers and international actors seeking to secure their interests. The U.S. government has consistently emphasized that oil is continuing to flow through the strait, despite the challenges posed by the conflict. This assertion aligns with efforts to reassure global markets that supply chains remain intact. However, the significantly reduced level of activity compared to pre-conflict levels indicates that the situation remains fragile and subject to further volatility. As the conflict continues, the role of the U.S. Navy in securing shipping lanes becomes increasingly pivotal. With Iran’s ability to exert influence over maritime traffic waning, the balance of power in the region appears to be shifting. Meanwhile, the continued use of the Omani route raises questions about long-term implications for regional stability and the potential for further escalation in hostilities. The latest developments suggest that while the immediate threat to oil flows may be mitigated, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The situation will likely continue to evolve as both sides seek to assert their positions in the strategically crucial waters of the Strait of Hormuz.