Oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz reach a six-month high
Oil and liquefied natural gas shipments transiting the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest levels in six months, according to U.S. Central Command, which attributed the increase to U.S. maritime protection efforts and mine clearance operations.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, emphasized during a review of what he described as “developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz and the remarkable achievements that U.S. military men and women continue to accomplish,” that “momentum is building,” in his words.
Cooper stated, “U.S. Central Command forces have supported the transport of more than one billion barrels of crude oil from the Gulf region, meaning one billion barrels of crude oil have transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months.”
He added, “We have achieved this significant milestone while ensuring the safe passage of more than 2,000 commercial vessels through the strait, through coordinated protection efforts. It is clear that momentum is accelerating.”
He continued, “The main transit lanes in the strait are free of mines, and thousands of ships have transited the strait. More than one billion barrels of crude oil have been shipped from our Gulf partners through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has not exported a single barrel, thanks to our tight blockade.”
He went on to say, “Despite this progress, we continue to work with full awareness and precise focus—in collaboration with our colleagues across various U.S. agencies, our six Gulf Cooperation Council partners, and insurance and shipping companies—to increase traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Cooper concluded, “Our efforts are bearing fruit. Oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas shipments over the past two weeks have reached levels higher than any recorded in the past six months.”
He further stated, “We are also working with all regional partners to enhance their air defense capabilities, establish a new alliance unit equipped with attack drones, and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters remain open and safe for navigation.”
