Arabic version: اضطراب الشحن بالقرب من مضيق هرمز يثير مخاوف من ارتفاع أسعار النفط

At least two ships have been hit by unknown projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for oil and gas, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. According to BBC News, one vessel was struck while sailing east of the vital trade route, and another was hit off the coast of the United Arab Emirates but planned to continue its journey.

Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas, but has not officially closed it. Despite this, international shipping activity has reportedly come to a standstill at the strait’s entrance, leading to fears of rising oil prices. Preliminary trading indicates that the price of Brent crude has surged by approximately 10% to $80 per barrel, with some analysts predicting it could exceed $100 in the event of prolonged conflict.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) has not disclosed the identities of the affected vessels. However, unnamed maritime security sources have indicated that a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker sustained damage off Oman. Iranian state television has claimed that an oil tanker is sinking after being struck while attempting to “illegally” pass through the strait, although this report remains unverified.

Recent aerial attacks between Iran and Israel have intensified following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to US-Israeli strikes. This has led to retaliatory actions across several Middle Eastern countries, prompting many ships to halt their movements in the region. Currently, at least 150 tankers have dropped anchor in open Gulf waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with only a few Iranian and Chinese vessels managing to pass through.

Experts note the strait is effectively closed due to heightened risks, with shipping insurance costs skyrocketing. The US is expected to intervene to protect the strait, but prolonged closure could lead to significant oil price increases. In response to the situation, the Opec+ group has decided to increase oil output by 206,000 barrels a day to mitigate potential price hikes, although some analysts express skepticism about its effectiveness. Edmund King, president of the AA, warned that ongoing turmoil in the Middle East will likely disrupt global oil distribution, resulting in increased petrol prices worldwide.