Oil Shipments Accelerate in Hormuz: What This Means for Your Business and Investment Opportunities in Oman
London: Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increased on Friday following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Gulf producers are preparing to boost exports despite ongoing concerns regarding Tehran’s conditions for the use of this critical waterway.
The interim agreement, signed on Wednesday, was publicly released by Washington and Tehran. However, US President Donald Trump warned that military action and targeted strikes on Iranian officials could resume if the terms of the deal are not upheld.
MarineTraffic data showed at least four tankers carrying crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied petroleum gas transited the strait on Friday, heading towards Iraqi Gulf ports. Additionally, a Japanese-owned crude tanker exited the strait, having previously been delayed by the conflict, bound for Japan. An Indian-flagged tanker, Desh Vaibhav, was also preparing to sail to India after enduring days of disruption.
Notably, ships have resumed broadcasting their positions while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following weeks of vessels turning off transponders to conceal their movements. On June 18, commercial crossings through the strait reached 25—the highest single-day total since April 18 and more than five times the average daily crossings recorded during the first ten days of June, according to AXS Marine data. Despite this increase, traffic remains significantly below the pre-conflict average of approximately 120 daily crossings.
Gulf oil producers have actively resumed operations. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced a tender offering crude for July delivery after lifting force majeure and outlining plans to increase output. Similarly, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company issued its fourth tender of the month.
Switzerland confirmed that broader US-Iran peace talks scheduled for Friday would not take place, with US Vice President JD Vance canceling a planned visit. This development highlights the persistent uncertainty surrounding a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Iran has indicated tighter control over shipping, with state television reporting that vessels must coordinate transits with the Revolutionary Guards Navy. British maritime security firm Ambrey noted that Iranian forces ordered a Hong Kong-flagged tanker and a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier to turn back on Thursday.
In a recent advisory seen by Reuters, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) stated that no vessel is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the PGSA. The authority asserts it is the sole body authorized to issue these permits and reserves the right to impose insurance fees requiring shipowners to obtain and renew coverage. The shipping industry has rejected any fees or tolls on what it considers an international waterway.
Following the postponement of Mideast peace deal talks, oil prices and stock markets stabilized on Friday after significant fluctuations earlier in the week driven by hopes of an end to the US-Iran conflict. Crude futures have dropped this week, while stock markets have benefited from sustained investment inflows into the AI sector.
Wall Street remained closed on Friday for a US public holiday after a recent rebound prompted by the Federal Reserve’s indication of borrowing cost hikes this year. This announcement initially strengthened the US dollar, which also steadied ahead of the weekend.
eToro markets analyst Josh Gilbert commented, “With the (peace) deal signed, that geopolitical cloud is lifting, but markets have learned more than once that a resolution can unravel quickly. The hard work starts now, and investors will likely be cautious until we’ve got an air-tight deal and traffic genuinely flowing in full through the strait again.”
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The partial easing of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz signals a potential rebound in oil exports, benefiting Oman’s energy sector and regional logistics hubs. However, Iran’s newly imposed shipping controls and permit requirements introduce operational risks and uncertainties for maritime trade, demanding cautious navigation by businesses and investors. Smart investors should monitor geopolitical developments closely and consider opportunities in supply chain resilience and energy market shifts amid ongoing instability.
