Iranian oil tankers find ways to bypass US blockade, Bloomberg reports
Illustrative photo: Iranian tankers pass through the strait despite the blockade (Getty Images)
At least two Iranian oil tankers have successfully passed through the US blockade zone in the Persian Gulf and entered the Arabian Sea, according to Bloomberg.
Data from analytics firm Vortexa shows that the vessels Hero II and Hedy, sailing under the Iranian flag, crossed the line established by the United States on April 20. Together, these tankers can carry up to 4 million barrels of oil.
They joined a flotilla that delivered about 9 million barrels of fuel to the market, bypassing US naval vessels. Analysts were able to identify the vessels only via satellite, as crews switch off transponders to evade monitoring.
Despite warnings from Washington, Iranian exports continue. So far, at least 34 tankers and gas carriers linked to Iran have crossed the blockade line, which stretches from the coast of Oman to the Iran–Pakistan border.
Of the vessels that have crossed the zone since early last week, 19 were heading out of the Persian Gulf, with 17 of them carrying cargo.
Other ships are also testing the US blockade. In particular, the sanctioned G Summer tanker crossed the strait today, April 22, and, according to vessel tracking systems, has already passed the boundary where the blockade is in effect.
Global oil and natural gas prices surged after the US Navy seized an Iranian vessel. This followed Tehran’s attack on European ships and its renewed control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The world is facing the risk of a large-scale food crisis due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade of key logistics routes has already led to fertilizer shortages and a breakdown in supply chains.
Even in the case of peace between the United States and Iran, the restoration of energy supplies will not be quick. The head of the International Energy Agency warned that the safety cushion will soon run out.
