Topic
gulf
Logistics Gulf nations invest billions in pipelines to bypass Strait of Hormuz amid rising risks
Gulf nations are accelerating multi-billion-dollar pipeline projects to create alternative oil export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced repeated disruptions. Seven major pipelines are under construction or planned, including UAE's $3 billion Fujairah pipeline and Iraq's proposed Basra-to-Ceyhan line. Existing routes from Saudi Arabia and UAE are already operating near capacity. The shift will reduce dependence on the narrow strait but introduces new risks, such as Houthi blockades in the Red Sea.
Logistics Why America May Reflag Gulf Tankers Again: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Escalates
The US may reflag Gulf tankers again, escalating its escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid a direct conflict with Iran. According to Splash247, Iran's capabilities have grown since the 1987 Operation Earnest Will, with 17 damaged ships and 12 seafarers killed or missing since February 2026. The US already runs an improvised escort scheme, but formal reflagging would give insurers and shippers legal clarity to bring stranded tonnage back through the strait.
Commodities 145% rise in LPG imports: India plans to double US purchases to cut Gulf dependence
India is doubling its contracted LPG imports from the US after a 145% rise in June compared to February, driven by the US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The US share of India's LPG imports jumped from 8% in 2025 to 65% in June. Despite diversification, analysts say reliance on Gulf supplies will continue.
Commodities All Roads Still Lead to the Middle East: Why India’s Energy Pipeline Runs Through the Gulf
A Hormuz crisis lasting over 100 days exposed India's continued reliance on Middle Eastern energy supplies. Despite attempts to diversify LPG imports from West Africa and the US, physical constraints prevented full offset. LNG demand fell as landed prices stayed above $16-17 per mmBtu. Normalisation of Hormuz traffic could ease supply pressures.
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.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Mine Clearance Delays Threaten Weeks-Long Recovery for Oil Shipping
The US-Iran tentative agreement ends the three-month Middle East conflict, but the Strait of Hormuz faces a slow recovery due to mine clearance and shipping bottlenecks. Over 20% of global oil supply was disrupted, with 500 vessels stranded. Shipping resumes gradually, with analysts warning of weeks to months for normal flows.
Trade U.S. Military Uses Iranian Smuggling Tactic for Gulf Oil Transfers Amid Strait Closure
The U.S. military has conducted scores of ship-to-ship oil transfers off Fujairah and Sohar since early May, employing a shuttling technique previously used by Iran to evade sanctions. The operation, involving at least 92 ships, aims to maintain Gulf energy exports after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing the biggest global energy supply disruption in history. An Apache helicopter involved in the mission was shot down by Iran on June 9.
Logistics Hormuz Ceasefire Deal Leaves Shipping in Familiar Wait-and-See Mode as Operational Hurdles Remain
Asian shipping stocks rallied Monday on a tentative US-Iran ceasefire deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after 107 days, but industry experts caution that a full return to normal navigation will be gradual and uncertain. Major operational questions remain over mine clearance, traffic control, insurance, and the durability of the ceasefire, with over 500 vessels still stranded and traffic almost non-existent.
Logistics Hormuz Ceasefire Collapses After US-Iran Strikes, Tanker Hit Leaves 3 Missing
The fragile ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz has completely broken down following fresh US-Iran attacks. A US strike on the product tanker Settebello off Oman left three seafarers missing and one injured, while Iran claimed strikes on two tankers. The IMO condemned the attacks, reporting 43 verified incidents since late February.
Business Sensex Plummets Amid Gulf Tensions, Foreign Outflows
The Sensex has fallen 2,200 points over four sessions due to escalating tensions in the Gulf region and significant foreign fund outflows. Investors are closely watching the upcoming RBI policy meeting for further market direction.
Trade India's Rice Exports Hit by Iran Conflict
India's rice exports dropped 1.3% in early 2026 due to the Iran conflict affecting basmati shipments to the Gulf. Rising shipping costs and delays have stalled new deals.