Attack risks rise for tankers as Iran vows to block more Hormuz routes
USO•Iran warned regional countries it would block unauthorized oil-export routes through the Strait of Hormuz, raising risks for tankers. Last week saw the waterway’s highest number of tanker attacks since the war began, while vessel traffic fell to its lowest level in more than two months.
1. Iran warns of more attacks
Iran warned regional countries that attempts to open new oil-export routes would be considered hostile, a senior regional official close to Tehran said. A separate senior diplomat said Iran had plans to block routes and that this could involve missile and drone attacks on ships or boats sent to scare them away.
2. Tanker struck near Qatar
Projectiles struck a tanker about 51 nautical miles off Qatar in the past 24 hours, according to a British maritime agency. Maritime security sources said the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged chemical tanker Acers was hit north of Madinat ash Shamal, with minor injuries to crew members. Shipping association BIMCO’s safety and security chief said recent attacks appeared to have dampened shipowners’ appetite to sail through the strait.
3. Conflict pressures oil trade
Gulf oil producers have recently moved shipments through channels near Oman before transferring oil in open waters in the Gulf of Oman, sources said. Industry executives said accessible global oil stocks were running low, while Danish shipping group Maersk said it was increasing its emergency fuel surcharge on inland transportation in the UK and Ireland.
