The first liquefied natural gas tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since late February has successfully crossed the strategic waterway, marking a significant development for global energy trade after months of disruption along one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
As at the time of writing 10:18 am (WAT), Brent crude stood at $111.30 per barrel, up 2.82%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $99.38, gaining 3.12%, reflecting sustained risk premiums linked to Middle East supply routes.
The vessel, identified as Mubaraz, reportedly loaded at the UAE’s Das Island before passing through the strait after weeks of idling in the Persian Gulf amid heightened regional tensions.
The LNG carrier is understood to be heading to Asia, with China listed as its final destination and arrival expected in mid-May, according to tanker-tracking data cited by Oilprice.com.
Its successful transit marks the first confirmed LNG passage through the chokepoint in months, following a period of severe disruption that stranded cargoes from key Gulf suppliers and rattled global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s energy supplies passes, has faced prolonged disruption since late February amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The supply disruption has weighed heavily on global LNG flows, with Asia’s imports falling to their lowest levels in years as cargoes were delayed and prices surged.
QatarEnergy had previously declared force majeure on some contracts following supply chain disruptions and damage linked to regional hostilities, further tightening global LNG availability.
As at the time of writing, market participants are closely watching whether the vessel’s passage signals the beginning of a broader reopening of the strategic waterway or remains an isolated transit under exceptional circumstances.