Hormuz crossings stay in single digits

Across multiple reports, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained in single digits on Monday, with six commercial vessels transiting the strait—three entering and three exiting—despite a slight rise from the weekend. The data show no very large crude carriers or LNG tankers passing through, and some vessels may be sailing with transponders off, complicating tallies. The Very Large Gas Carrier Xavia entered the Strait under ballast, while other movements included a medium-range fuel tanker, an intermediate-range tanker, a Panamax bulk carrier, and a Panamax-sized fuel tanker exiting the Gulf. In related coverage, Bab el-Mandeb crossings on the opposite side were also subdued, underscoring broader regional tensions. Analysts credit the low volumes to stalled U.S.-Iran talks and ongoing security and diplomatic uncertainties, which keep operators cautious about routing through this critical energy corridor. The subdued traffic patterns are having implications for global energy supply chains, with potential tightening of prompt supply in Asian and European markets as shipping routes remain constrained.