Hormuz Blockade Slows Global Shipping, New Data Show

The US-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has dramatically reduced traffic, with maritime data showing a sharp slowdown since late February. Between March 1 and April 15, 388 commodity carriers crossed the strait (255 oil/gas tankers), but only 16 commodity vessels have crossed since the blockade began; about 670 vessels west of the strait have signalled they’re stuck, including 332 oil or gas tankers, and more than 55 VLCCs are stuck in the Gulf, underscoring how the conflict is choking global shipping and raising fertilizer and energy-security costs.