- Strait of Hormuz ships cross despite war and sanctions concerns
- Iran oil exports continue as global crude prices cross USD 100
Hyderabad: About 90 ships, including oil tankers, crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war with Iran. However, the waterway has been effectively closed for most traffic. Maritime and trade data platforms reported that Iran continues exporting millions of barrels of oil during this period.
Meanwhile, maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said many vessels used “dark” transits. These ships avoided Western sanctions and oversight and likely had ties to Iran. More recently, vessels linked to India and Pakistan also crossed the strait. Governments stepped up negotiations to enable these movements.
Strait of Hormuz ships cross as selective passage continues
Most shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halted since early March after the war began. The waterway carries about one fifth of the world’s crude oil. Around 20 vessels have been attacked in the area. However, Iran has still exported well above 16 million barrels of oil since early March, according to Kpler.
China remains the biggest buyer of Iranian oil due to Western sanctions and risks. Kpler trade risk analyst Ana Subasic noted “continued resilience” in Iran’s export volumes. Meanwhile, Kun Cao of Reddal said Iran has managed to profit and also “preserve its own export artery” by controlling the chokepoint.
At least 89 ships crossed the strait between March 1 and 15, including 16 oil tankers. This is lower than the earlier daily average of 100 to 135 vessels before the war. More than one fifth of these ships were believed to be Iran affiliated, while others had links to China and Greece.
Additionally, vessels from Pakistan and India also passed through. The Pakistan flagged tanker Karachi crossed the strait recently. India flagged LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi also travelled through after talks with Iran, as stated by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Furthermore, analysts said some vessels declared China links or Chinese crew to reduce risks. Oil prices have surged more than 40 per cent to above USD 100 per barrel since the war began. Iran has also warned it would not allow oil bound for the US, Israel, and their allies to pass.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “The Iranian ships have been getting out already, and we’ve let that happen to supply the rest of the world.” Experts added the strait is not fully closed but selectively restricted.
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