4 Dark Tankers Keep Hormuz Oil Flows Above 2 Million Bpd as US-Iran Deal Nears
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 17
4 Dark Tankers Keep Hormuz Oil Flows Above 2 Million Bpd as US-Iran Deal Nears
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 17
Summary
At least four tankers carrying non-Iranian crude left the Persian Gulf between Sunday and Monday with their transponders switched off, helping preserve exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Seven-day average inferred crude outflows have stayed above 2 million barrels a day this month, according to Bloomberg calculations based on Kpler and Vortexa data.
The covert sailings suggest shippers are still moving cargo despite regional security risks, using signal blackouts to reduce exposure while crossing the chokepoint.
A US-Iran peace deal expected to be signed this week is shaping traffic decisions, with flows holding firmer than earlier in the Middle East conflict.
The White House says the war is over. Why do experts predict years of recovery for global energy supplies?
Can a 'very general' 1.5-page memo truly secure the world's most vital oil waterway from future conflict?
The Strait of Hormuz Crisis 2026: Dark Tankers, Global Oil Shock, and the Battle for Energy Security
Overview
In mid-2026, the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile and restricted, causing a sharp drop in global oil and gas transit. After the conflict began in March 2026, the number of tankers passing through the strait fell dramatically. Severe restrictions led to the rise of the 'dark tankers' phenomenon, where some vessels attempt risky, unconventional routes to move oil and gas. Despite these challenges, about 25% of tankers present at the start of the crisis have managed to leave the region, showing that limited energy supplies are gradually re-entering the global market under difficult conditions.