The world’s oil highway is slowing down. Tankers are stopping. What happens if Hormuz closes?
Hundreds of oil and gas vessels have halted movement in and around the Persian Gulf as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict and potential energy supply disruption.
Shipping data from MarineTraffic reviewed Sunday showed at least 150 tankers — including crude oil carriers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels — anchored in open waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Dozens more were reported stationary on the opposite side of the strategic chokepoint.
The vessels are clustered off the coasts of major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as near Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor linking the Gulf to global markets, handles roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption. Any prolonged disruption there would ripple quickly through energy markets.
The sudden pause in shipping traffic follows Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks after coordinated US–Israel strikes targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Tehran has previously warned that it could restrict or close the strait in the event of military escalation.
Maritime operators appear to be taking precautionary measures rather than risk transit through a potential conflict zone. Tankers idling in open waters can wait for security clarity before proceeding.
Energy traders are closely monitoring the situation. Even temporary bottlenecks could push oil and gas prices sharply higher, especially given already strained global supply routes following conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Red Sea.
Insurance costs for vessels operating in high-risk areas are also expected to surge, adding further pressure on global shipping.
For now, the ships remain at anchor — a visible sign that a regional military confrontation is rapidly spilling into the arteries of the global economy.
