Traffic at Strait of Hormuz comes to a standstill

Mar 6, 2026

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.

Security threats and operational risks to commercial vessels

▪No confirmed large-scale Iranian missile attacks against Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Oman port infrastructure were independently verified within the 24 hours prior to March 6.
▪The Joint Maritime Information Center outlook for the 24 to 48 hours following March 6 remains at 'Critical' threat level with no confirmed indicators of de-escalation.
▪A high concentration of vessels remains anchored, drifting and at berth in Arabian Gulf ports as of March 6.
▪The Joint Maritime Information Center posted the highest alert level of 'Critical' for the Strait of Hormuz situation on March 6.

Impact on global oil markets and prices

▪Brent crude oil rallied 17% during the week ending March 7, 2025, on course for its biggest weekly surge since 2022.
▪Oil prices slipped slightly on Friday March 7 after US President Donald Trump signalled imminent action to reduce pressure on prices.
▪US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated on March 5 that the Trump administration is discussing a number of moves to counter oil and gas price spikes amid the war in Iran.