Topic
blockade
Logistics Houthi rebels announce new blockade of key Red Sea shipping lane threatening global trade
Houthi rebels in Yemen announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia at the Bab al-Mandab Strait, escalating conflict that previously shut down Red Sea shipping. The move threatens the return of carrier services and could disrupt energy exports and global supply chains.
Logistics Iran Primes Houthis to Shut Bab el-Mandeb, Risking Global Shipping Disruption
Iran has reportedly asked Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the US attacks Iranian power infrastructure. Missiles and drones have been deployed near the strategic waterway, according to sources. The move threatens to choke a critical chokepoint for global trade, forcing further diversions around Africa and driving up freight costs.
Trade Oil, LNG, Fertilisers and Diamonds at Risk from Iran's Wider Blockade Threat Beyond Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it could expand efforts to disrupt regional trade beyond the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil, LNG, fertilisers and diamond supply chains. The Strait carries nearly 20 million barrels per day of crude and petroleum products, and over 90% of Qatar and UAE's LNG exports. Diamonds routed through India and UAE for cutting and polishing face disruption, along with petrochemicals and food shipments.
Commodities Crude oil futures surge after Trump reinstates naval blockade of Iranian ports
Crude oil futures rose sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump reinstated a naval blockade of Iranian ports. September Brent crude climbed 1.78% to $84.78/barrel, while WTI gained 2% to $79.70. The move includes a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which analysts estimate could add $16/barrel in costs. US Central Command also conducted airstrikes on Iranian military targets, deploying over 50,000 troops.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz traffic surges then halts after attack, evacuation paused
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz surged to a three-month high on Wednesday after the US lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, but dropped sharply on Friday following an attack in the Gulf of Oman that halted an IMO evacuation operation for 11,000 stranded seafarers. The surge saw 73 vessels transit on Wednesday, but traffic fell by half after Iran warned ships to avoid the Omani coast. Major global carriers have not returned, and the IMO plans to reconfirm safety guarantees before resuming evacuations.
Commodities As Strait of Hormuz blockade continues, India pivots to US for record LPG and LNG imports in June
India's LPG and LNG imports from the US hit record levels in May 2026 as the Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupts Gulf flows. Provisional June data shows continued reliance on US supply, with LPG imports up 52% year-on-year and LNG up 46%. Analysts expect a gradual reopening from early July, with LPG flows normalizing first.
Logistics How US quietly kept Gulf crude moving despite Iran's Hormuz blockade
The US military has been overseeing secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf crude exports moving despite Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began in early May, involves smaller tankers carrying oil through the strait and transferring it to larger vessels at hubs off Fujairah and Sohar. An estimated 90 million barrels of crude and petroleum products have moved through this offshore network since early May.