Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally sees around 138 vessels per 24 hours, collapsed to just two commercial transits with zero oil tankers crossing in the 24 hours prior to March 6, 2025. The Joint Maritime Information Center issued its highest 'Critical' alert level indicating attacks are almost certain, as ongoing vessel attacks and active kinetic hazards including missiles and UAVs continue across the region. The effective shutdown stems from security threats, insurance constraints, and operational uncertainty rather than a formal blockade. Brent crude oil rallied 17% during the week ending March 7 in its biggest weekly surge since 2022, prompting US President Trump to signal imminent action to reduce price pressure and the Treasury to issue temporary waivers allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil until early April.
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