Oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has surged to an average of 8 million to 9 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This increase follows heightened tensions with Iran, which has seen the waterway effectively closed since February due to ongoing military conflicts. In the second quarter of 2025, only 4.9 million barrels per day were reported to have passed through the strait, a significant drop from 21.6 million barrels in the last quarter of 2025, as noted by OilPrice.com.
Key Details
To mitigate risks from Iranian drone attacks, oil producers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE have adopted a new strategy involving “dark” transits. This tactic involves turning off the transponders of oil tankers while they are escorted by the U.S. military through the strait. One such vessel, the Kiku, successfully completed this maneuver on August 1 after disappearing from tracking systems for several hours.
Background
The shift in oil transport routes has also led to increased activity at alternative chokepoints. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, for instance, has seen crude volumes double as oil is rerouted from the Gulf. The Houthis, a group in Yemen, declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in July, further complicating the shipping landscape in the region. This blockade has raised concerns about supply disruptions, as noted by OilPrice.com.
Related coverage: China’s Oil Imports Surge 22% in July Amid Iran Ceasefire.
The rise in oil traffic through Hormuz is likely to affect global oil prices, particularly Brent and WTI, which were trading at around $91.62 and $85.56, respectively. Increased shipping risks and rerouting costs could lead to higher input costs for oil producers. Investors will watch for further developments in Iranian military activities and any changes in U.S. naval presence in the region.
Based on reporting by: oilprice.com, cnn.com