153 times in 2 weeks... Non-Iranian-linked crude oil tanker voyages through Hormuz down 12% from the previous 2 weeks

Non-Iranian-linked crude oil tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 153 in the October 12–25 period, down 12% from 174 in the prior two weeks, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data released November 5. The classification, based on ownership ties, trade exposure and sanctions status, is not a full measure of total strait traffic. Transits by such vessels dropped to 116 in October 19–25 from 124 the previous week, while at least 44 crude tankers entered the Middle East in that week, up from 32 and above the roughly 41 normal average. The weekly average for October 5–25 was 121 transits, and the data matters as a gauge of how sanctions and Middle East risk are reshaping tanker flows through the world’s most important oil chokepoint. Watch next week’s transit counts and the pace of tankers heading into the Middle East for signs of further tightening or recovery.