Tankers are once again changing course due to uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz

UA NEWS 18 April 2026 10:28

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is forcing shipowners to reconsider their routes. Despite Tehran’s statements about opening the strategic maritime corridor, some ships are avoiding passing through it.

This is reported by Bloomberg.

According to the publication, at least six oil tankers turned back in the Persian Gulf after attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipowners and traders are trying to determine whether Iran guarantees safe passage along this route.

These are Greek and Indian vessels that were heading from areas near Dubai toward the strait. All of them were loaded with oil, but on the morning of April 18, they began to change course.

Some of the tankers are currently near the Iranian island of Qeshm, while others have effectively come to a standstill. One of the vessels has stopped transmitting its location.

The total volume of oil on these tankers is approximately 8.3 million barrels. According to estimates, this could be the largest daily transit through the strait since the conflict in the region began to escalate.

Despite Iran’s statements about opening the Strait of Hormuz, the situation remains unstable. According to sources, Tehran does not rule out the possibility of blocking the route again if tensions with the U.S. persist.

Shipowners also report receiving radio warnings requiring them to coordinate their passage with the Iranian military.

At the same time, other vessels are being tracked in the region: some tankers carrying liquefied gas and petroleum products have also changed course and returned to the Gulf of Oman.

Prior to this, Iran announced new rules for the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key oil supply routes. Now, commercial vessels will be able to transit only with permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

U.S. stock markets opened higher following a sharp drop in oil prices. Investors reacted positively to the news that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the U.S. does not plan to lift its naval blockade of Iran, even despite Tehran’s statements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The restrictions will remain in place until the parties conclude negotiations and sign an agreement.

In Israel, military restrictions have been fully lifted for the first time in a month and a half. This became possible after the ceasefire with Lebanon and Iran has held so far. The country is gradually returning to normal life.

The U.S. is calling on G20 countries, as well as the IMF and the World Bank, to intervene urgently to avoid a fertilizer shortage. Due to the war in the Middle East, supplies have been disrupted precisely during the key planting season.

Global oil prices have also fallen by about 5% following news of a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Investors reacted to Donald Trump’s statement that a deal is imminent and began pricing in a reduction in market tensions.

Airlines are warning that flight cancellations could begin in Europe as early as late May due to a shortage of jet fuel. The industry is asking governments to prepare a clear action plan in advance in case supplies need to be restricted.

Also, the Pakistani tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil since the U.S. blockade began on April 13.

Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iran estimates the damage from US and Israeli bombings at $270 billion and is demanding compensation from five Arab countries

Iran promises to respond to the blockade of its ports by blocking the Red Sea

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