Strait of Hormuz conundrum continues as LNG tankers make u-turns as Iran keeps waterway shut

452069884 2026 03 afcdc3237bad4594a25212fa232a8c1e
Iran told ship captains that the crucial Strait of Hormuz is once again closed to marine commerce, prompting several tankers carrying liquefied natural gas to change their path.

According to Bloomberg, five LNG tankers that had stocked up in Qatar before becoming stuck in the Persian Gulf for over a month stopped travelling toward the strait’s western entrance.

According to the data, some have slowed to a crawl, while others have turned back toward Qatari seas.
Iran’s most recent action came after hours of confusion and commotion over increased traffic across the strait. Owners of nearby vessels who want to remain anonymous due to the security situation said that the Islamic Republic broadcast to maritime crews that the channel was closed and that one vessel reported gunshots.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declared on Friday that Hormuz was “completely open” to commercial vessels.

 

Also Read: India’s new maritime insurance pool comes with sovereign guarantee