Gulf Oil Flows Continue Despite Hormuz Slowdown

Aug 26, 2026

68 min

Aug 26, 2026 02:30

Ship-to-ship transfers keep Gulf oil moving outside Hormuz as direct traffic hits multi-month low

## Ship-to-Ship Transfers in the Gulf of Oman

Oil shipments from the Gulf are maintaining their flow to global markets through ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman. This method has become crucial as direct passage through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased. Recent data indicates that around 25 million barrels of crude and refined products are being transferred in this manner, involving nearly all regional countries except Iran.

## Impact of the Hormuz Situation

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, has seen a reduction in direct vessel traffic. On a recent day, only two commodity vessels were recorded passing through, marking a three-month low. This is a stark contrast to pre-conflict levels when the strait handled a significant portion of the world's oil and gas supplies.

## Adaptation and Challenges

To avoid the most contested parts of the strait, operators are using shorter shuttle voyages or turning off tracking systems to transfer oil to larger tankers outside the chokepoint. This strategy, previously used by Iran to bypass sanctions, is now widely adopted by non-Iranian exporters.

## Market Implications

The ongoing situation has led to adjustments in oil markets, with direct Hormuz throughput remaining below pre-war levels. The reliance on alternative routes highlights the region's adaptability but also underscores the fragility of global energy supplies amid geopolitical tensions.

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